Diwali 2021: Bursting of green fireworks to be allowed in Odisha from 8 PM to 10 PM

Bhubaneswar: Hours after the Orissa High Court in its order allowed bursting of green fireworks during Diwali celebrations, the Odisha government today came out with the detailed guidelines on sale and use of firecrackers during the festival of Diwali, Chhat Puja and Kartik Purnima.

In an order, the Special Relief Commissioner’s Office said sale and use of fireworks shall be limited to only green fireworks that conform to the definition and formulation as proposed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research –National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.

Other than green fireworks, sale and use of other fireworks and joined fireworks shall be completely banned.

The SRC order stated use of fireworks shall be limited to 8PM to 10 PM on Diwali day (November 4) only.

Only those traders or dealers who obtain and produce a certificate from the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO), after due inspection of their existing stock shall be allowed to sell their products.

Regarding sale of green fireworks, the SRC order mentioned that authenticated copy of the PESO certificate granted after due inspection of existing stocks lying in possession of traders and dealers shall be deposited with the district administration and police commissioner for getting permission to sell green fireworks.

Traders and dealers who fail to obtain and produce the certificate from PESO shall not be allowed to sell their products keeping the precautionary principle in mind.

“Mere labeling of fireworks boxes as green fireworks and providing QR codes shall not entitle any trader or dealer to sell the same,” the order mentioned.

Retailers will be allowed to set up shops and sell green fireworks in special zones designated by the respective district administration or Police Commissionerate.

“Violation of the directives will be dealt strictly and penal action will be taken,” it read.