Odisha bans sale and use of firecrackers during October

Bhubaneswar: While issuing the guidelines for the month of October, the Odisha government today announced a ban on sale and use of firecrackers during the month.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Prdaeep Jena took the decision to protect the health of public and prevent the spread of infection.

“With a view to protecting the health of general public and to curb the spread of infection, sale and use of fire crackers shall remain prohibited during this festive month,” an order issued by the SRC mentioned.

As part of Dusshera, usually ‘Ravan Podi’ are held on 10th day of the Durga Puja. With the State government imposing the ban on the sale and use of firecrackers the ‘Ravan Podi’ celebrations in all likelihood will be cancelled.

Besides, the SRC revised night curfew timing for the twin city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack for 10 days in the month of October.

Jena added the timing for the night curfew in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack from October 11 to 20 will be from 8 PM to 5 AM.

However, the night curfew timing for all urban areas in the State will be from 10 PM to 5 AM. On other days in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack barring the period during which the night curfew timing has been revised will be from 10 PM to 5 AM.

During the night curfew essential services will be allowed as mentioned in the guidelines for the month of September.

The SRC stated further the new guidelines will remain in force from 5 AM of October 1, 2021 till 5 AM of November 1, 2021.

He directed the district administrations, municipal commissioners and police to ensure the guidelines are followed strictly.

Also read: Covid Guidelines For October Announced; Night Curfew Timing For Twin City Revised

There will be no weekend shutdown across the State. During the unlock period, all types of shops and malls shall remain open across the State from 5 AM to 10 PM every day. However, shops and mall shall remain open in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack from 5 AM to 8 PM from October 11 to 20.

All religious festivals, functions shall be celebrated as per order of the Government issued on August 9, 2021, Jena added.

In Delhi, the sale and bursting of all types of crackers have been prohibited till January 1, 2022.