Smoke-free, noise-free Diwali in Odisha this year

Bhubaneswar: This year there will be no sound and smoke due to bursting of crackers in Odisha. In view of the Covid-19 pandemic and to make the air breathable, the Odisha government banned the sale and use of firecrackers during this Deepavali.

In a statement, the Odisha government said considering the potentially harmful consequences of burning of crackers amidst Covid-l9 pandemic situation and approaching winter, the sale and use of firecrackers will be prohibited from November 10-30, 2020 in public interest.

As burning of firecrackers release large amounts of harmful chemicals like nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, burning of the firecrackers can further aggravate health conditions of Covid-19 positive persons besides persons staying in home isolation, the statement added.

Anyone found violating the orders of the Government banning sale and use of fire crackers shall be punished as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws. The administration and police have been suitably instructed, it read.

The government urged the people to celebrate Deepavali, the festival of lights, by lighting earthen lamps (Mati Deepa/Diya), candles and other traditional lighting materials.