Finance
The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) published rules on Monday to guarantee that Diwali celebrations across the state are safe, noise-free, and environmentally friendly.
According to the directive, firecrackers will be permitted only between 7 and 9 p.m. Firecrackers that surpass the permitted noise limit of 125 decibels (AI) have been rigorously prohibited.
“The use of firecrackers has been prohibited in parks, silence zones, and within 100 meters of hospitals, educational institutions, religious places, and courts. Only green crackers certified by regulatory authorities are allowed and must be burst only in open spaces,” the OSPCB stated.
Furthermore, firecrackers are prohibited in residential areas, roadways, and crowded public spaces. Children under the age of ten have been prohibited from touching high-decibel fireworks. The Board also encouraged individuals to wear cotton garments while setting off fireworks to decrease the danger of burns or mishaps.
The public has been advised to keep water and sand close when handling pyrotechnics, and to avoid lighting them by hand. Any cracker that fails to ignite should not be lighted again, and the surrounding area should be cleaned. People are also encouraged to keep a safe distance from the elderly and animals when using fireworks, and to use protective goggles to ensure eye protection.
Violation of these guidelines will invite strict legal action under The Orissa Fire Crackers and Loudspeakers (Regulation) Act, 1958, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Citizens can report violations to local authorities, including the District Magistrate, ADM, SDM, SP, ASP, DSP, and SDPO.
“As per the Supreme Court’s directive, only ‘Green Crackers’ are allowed. The Orissa High Court has also banned the use of barium, sodium nitrate, arsenic, and mercury in the manufacture of firecrackers. All district Collectors and SPs have been instructed to enforce the guidelines strictly. Anyone found violating them will face stringent action,” said OSPCB Chief Environmental Scientist Niranjan Mallik while speaking to the media.
The OSPCB has urged the public to celebrate Diwali responsibly and help reduce pollution and ensure public safety.
