Activists demand ‘Safe Deepavali’ after cracker explosion claims life

Bengaluru: A tragic firecracker mishap that claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy and injured 10 others, including a police constable, during Ganesha festivities in Doddaballapur has stirred citizens’ groups to demand a “safe and court-compliant Deepavali.”

In a letter addressed to the chief minister, deputy chief minister, and the home and environment ministers, groups including Public Health Action Team (PACT), The Compassionate City, Namma Bengaluru Foundation, and CARE have called for urgent and concerted action.

The incident, which saw a firecracker explosion during an idol immersion procession, has put the spotlight back on firecracker safety, especially ahead of the upcoming festival season.

The letter recalls the devastating 2023 Attibele firecracker tragedy, where a godown explosion claimed 17 lives, condemning the recurring loss of life due to non-compliance with safety norms. The groups praised the government’s previous efforts during Ganesha festivities, such as the ban on loud drums and Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, but expressed concern that the festival still resembled Deepavali with excessive loud explosions.

Citing the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling, they sought a nationwide ban on non-green firecrackers, a strict 8 pm to 10 pm window for bursting green crackers, and prohibitions on their use near schools and hospitals.

They said Station House Officers (SHOs) should be personally accountable for monitoring the manufacture, sale, and distribution of illegal crackers in conjunction with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and the BBMP. They also called upon the Transport Department to track illegal inter-state movement of non-compliant crackers, while the Fire Department was asked to be more stringent with licensing.

The groups acknowledged past initiatives, such as the crackdown on online sellers of illegal crackers, but asserted that these efforts must be expanded with greater political will and enforcement.