Bengaluru Citizens Send Legal Notices Over Firecracker Use During Ganesha Festival

A group of Bengaluru residents has served legal notices on several state government officials and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, alleging that excessive firecracker bursting during the recent Ganesha festival caused significant distress to the public.

The citizens, who include several named individuals, said their petition seeks strict enforcement of existing rules on firecracker use, including curbs on unauthorized storage, sale, and bursting of crackers on public roads.

One of the petitioners said the group's intent is not to stop festivals but to ensure celebrations happen responsibly, protecting public health, road safety, clean air, and the wellbeing of vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, and animals.

With Diwali approaching, the group has asked authorities to carry out surprise checks on suspected warehouses and retail outlets, seize banned stock, and take legal action against violators. They have also sought clear public guidance on which firecrackers are allowed and during what hours.

The petitioners warned that if the authorities fail to act within 10 days of the notice, served on October 20, they will seek judicial intervention.

A KSPCB official said he was unaware of any recent legal notice to the board, adding that authorities cannot ban firecrackers causing significant noise and air pollution without a proper law, and can currently only encourage the use of green crackers and request time restrictions on bursting them.