Citizens demand crackdown on illegal firecrackers ahead of Deepavali

Citizens and animal welfare activists have urged the Karnataka government and city authorities to crack down on the sale and bursting of non-green firecrackers ahead of Deepavali. A complaint dated October 20, filed by advocate Alwyn Sebastian, sought surprise inspections of warehouses, shops, market stalls, and transport depots to seize non-compliant crackers. The group flagged air and noise pollution, unsafe storage, and risks to pedestrians, children, senior citizens, and animals. They also called for designated spaces for fireworks and action against online sellers of prohibited crackers.