While making it clear that only green firecrackers are permitted to be sold and used during the Deepavali festival, the Kodagu district administration has appealed to the public to safeguard public health and property by adhering to standards prescribed under the Environment (Protection) Rules 1986, amended in 1999 and 2000, in order to control noise and pollution.A statement issued by Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkata Raja said only green firecrackers are permitted to be sold and used as per the directions of the Supreme Court. “Sale or use of any other types of firecrackers is strictly prohibited,” the statement said while asking firecrackers sellers to obtain permission for sale as well as storage from all concerned departments.In accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal, New Delhi, only green firecrackers with the green logo and QR code may be sold.“The storage, sale and use of firecrackers producing sound levels in excess of 125 decibels is strictly banned. The Supreme Court has allowed the bursting of firecrackers only between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.,” the statement said.The use of firecrackers or explosives that cause noise is prohibited at all times in areas designated as silence zones, namely hospitals, schools, religious places, and old age homes.“Any violation of these rules will attract strict legal action against the offenders,” warned Mr. Raja while urging the public to co-operate with the district administration in controlling noise and air pollution during Deepavali.Go Green CampaignMeanwhile, a district-level awareness programme on celebrating an eco-friendly, green Deepavali under ‘Go Green Campaign - Towards a Greener Tomorrow’ was organised at Madikeri Government First Grade College on Saturday.During the programme, which was organised jointly by the Kodagu district administration, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Regional Office, Kodagu, and Education Department, among others, students took a pledge to avoid bursting firecrackers.K.T. Baby Mathew, Chief Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides, Kodagu district, appreciated the declining trend of firecracker use in the wake of students and communities promoting eco-friendly Deepavali celebrations over the past 15 years.T.G. Premkumar, Public Relations Officer of Scouts and Guides, Kodagu district, explained the adverse effects of firecrackers, which cause sound, air, water and soil pollution, harming humans, animals, birds and the ecosystem at large.Published - October 19, 2025 07:01 pm IST