Arnav Mittal
7th November 2020
Cracker ban: Karnataka is currently having 8.41 Lakhs total cases of covid-19 (Source- NDTV)
There was a massive backlash on social media shortly after the decision was announced, many calling out the BJP government for its decision to ban crackers and calling Yeddyurappa' anti-Hindu'.
Hence, Karnataka Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa has rethought the ban on Diwali crackers, now permitting 'green' crackers. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and considering how pollution rates frequently surge after Diwali, the state banned Diwali firecrackers on 6th November.
In a statement on 7th November, Yediyurappa stated, "I appeal to the people to celebrate Deepavali simply by using only green crackers."
"The government is taking all necessary steps to monitor the coronavirus, and it is more appropriate to celebrate Diwali in a clean and meaningful manner in this prevailing situation, taking into account the health of citizens and children", Yediyurappa said.
The State government also issued a statement wherein it mentioned that it received many suggestions and requests for the sale and use of firecrackers in the upcoming Diwali festival.
In light of the prevailing coronavirus outbreak, Chief Secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar said, "Taking into account the present situation, there is a great need to celebrate the festival in a simple, meaningful, and spiritual way. It is necessary to initiate more strict and stringent steps to control the spread of the virus." Furthermore, he added, "From Saturday to 16th November, Only environmental friendly crackers will be sold in empty areas where proper social distancing can be preserved."
The crackers' stores' surroundings should be sanitized, and the shop owners must arrange hand sanitizers. They have to wear face masks, but they will have to make sure that customers use their face masks.
Many states have already agreed to ban firecrackers ahead of Diwali next week, including Rajasthan, Odisha, and Delhi.
Coronavirus affects the lungs severely, and the rise in air pollution that occurs due to the burning of crackers in Diwali and the onset of winter is anticipated to lead to a massive spike in coronavirus cases among people.
"The smoke can also impact people who have already recovered from COVID-19 infection", said K Sudhakar, State Health Minister, while confirming the State government's earlier decision to ban crackers.
As of 6th November, Karnataka had 8.41 lac total coronavirus positive cases, placing its tally at the country's second-highest just after Maharashtra. The state also saw around 11,347 deaths from this highly infectious virus alongside 7,97,204 discharges. However, the daily addition to cases is minor compared to Delhi, which, according to Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi, is witnessing its third peak.
(Source- NDTV, Deccan Chronicle, India.com, the News Minute)
Edited by- Arjun Rohit Vikraman