‘Ban firecrackers at govt dos, reduce honking’

The state government’s environment department wants a ban on bursting of firecrackers at all government functions. In a bid to fight noise pollution, Environment Minister Suresh Shetty told the Legislative Council on Monday that his department had recommended to the chief minister to put this ban in place at least for government functions.

The state government’s environment department wants a ban on bursting of firecrackers at all government functions.

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In a bid to fight noise pollution, Environment Minister Suresh Shetty told the Legislative Council on Monday that his department had recommended to the chief minister to put this ban in place at least for government functions.

The department has also requested all ministers to reduce honking while travelling in their official vehicles and convoy.

“We have recommended to Chief Minister Ashok Chavan to direct all the ministers to reduce honking while travelling in their vehicles and also avoid bursting crackers in government programmes,” said Shetty.

The minister proposed to set up committees at every district, comprising members of the state legislature, NGOs and local activists. The committee will draft a district-wise policy to deal with global warming, Shetty added.

The environment department has already mandated that all government offices should use CLF bulbs and recycle paper to conserve resources.