Sale of firecrackers plummets to an all-time low

It appears that a growing concern for the environment has ensured that a large number of Mysurueans steer clear of bursting firecrackers during Deepavali.

This year, the sale of firecrackers during the festival of lights has seen an all time low in the city. The vendors say that the business is just 50%, as compared to the previous year.

Many people are reluctant to purchase firecrackers, owing to their concern about environment and a few other factors. The price hike, the Supreme Court’s directives as well as the state government’s notification have resulted in poor business.

Rohith, a resident of Saraswathipuram, said, he has minimised his budget for firecrackers, but would burst a few as a mark of tradition. “I used to burst a variety of crackers earlier and would enjoy. But, this time, I have decided to burst crackers only to mark the tradition. Crackers contribute heavily to sound as well as air pollution,” he said. Rohith has earmarked just Rs 100 to purchase fireworks.

A V Pranup of Shivamogga, who resides in Gokulam, in the city, said, he used to purchase a large consignment of crackers to take them to his native place, earlier. “But, this time, as the prices are high and due to guidelines, I reduced the budget to Rs 500 as I realised that it is a waste of money,” he said. Pranup had purchased firecrackers worth Rs 1,000 last year.

Even the vendors have shown little interest. Only a few vendors have set up stalls on J K Grounds in the city. This time, only 17 shops have come up on JK Grounds compared to 25 last year. It may be mentioned that until recently, JK Grounds was a hotspot for Mysureans and people from neighbouring districts would come to purchase crackers. The vendors from different parts of the country used to set up shops prior to Deepavali in the city, earlier.

A vendor said, the response for the firecrackers business has been poor. “Even though only a few shops have been set up, business is poor and people are not showing interest in purchasing firecrackers. High prices and a lack of interest to burst crackers has resulted in poor sales,” he said.

Raghu, a vendor, said, a pack of flower pots, which contains six pieces, costs Rs 250 and the price of gift packs start from Rs 1,500.

“Compared to last year, the prices are a little higher. The officials have allowed us to do business only from 10 am to 7 pm, which is also a deterrent,” he said.