Bhubaneswar, October 29: In compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), has enforced strict restrictions on the sale and use of firecrackers across the state during Diwali. Only green crackers will be permitted and they can only be burst during the designated 7 PM to 9 PM during Diwali celebrations.
The advisory states, “Celebrate Deepavali by burning Diyas only and limit bursting of firecrackers between 7 pm and 9 pm only. Also avoid bursting series firecrackers and crackers generating a peak noise level of 125 dBA.”
Here is the full advisory:
* Firecrackers should not be burst near gardens, parks, or silence zones, such as areas comprising 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions, courts, religious places, and other areas where general public gatherings take place. Odisha residents are allowed to burst only “green firecrackers” in open areas.
* People should avoid bursting firecrackers near slums, on roads, near points of running traffic, and near easily flammable structures.
* Children below 10 years are prohibited from bursting sound-generating firecrackers.
While bursting crackers, one must wear cotton clothes to avoid getting burnt or catching fire.
The advisory adds, “Hon’ble Supreme Court has also banned production and sale of crackers except green crackers. Uses of Barium and banned chemicals in firecrackers have also been prohibited.”
