Diwali 2023: Know restrictions on bursting firecrackers in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pollution Control Board has imposed restriction on bursting of firecrackers in the state on Diwali.

While only green crackers will be allowed, use of firecrackers having barium nitrate has been prohibited.

The move came after the Supreme Court on Tuesday clarified that the order banning firecrackers containing barium nitrate binds every state and is not just limited to Delhi-NCR region.

People in Odisha will be allowed to burst permissible crackers between 6 am and 10 pm on Diwali.

Informing about it, Dr. K. Murugesan, Member Secretary, Odisha Pollution Control Board said, “Crackers which can produce sound of more than 125 decibel have been banned by the board. Letters will be issued to all district administrations in this regard. As per guidelines, people can burst crackers between 6 am and 10 pm on the day of Diwali. Bursting crackers within 100-meter radius of educational institutions, healthcare facilities and religious institutions will not be allowed. The district administrations will ensure adherence to the guidelines.”

“The administrations will form squads to check violations. Members of the board will be part of the squads to measure sound emitting from firecrackers. Police will take action against the violators,” he said.

Action will be taken against those involved in bursting of firecrackers on Diwali in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack after 10 PM, said Twin City Police Commissioner Saumyendra Kumar Priyadarsi.

“Bursting of firecrackers on Diwali after 10 PM has been prohibited. Only green crackers are allowed. Firecrackers producing sound above 125 decibels have been banned. Action will be taken against the violators,” the police official said.

Special squads have been formed to check illegal bursting of crackers, he added.