Odisha Pollution Control Board Enforces Diwali Firecracker Restrictions

Bhubaneswar: In a move to curb pollution during the Diwali celebrations, the Odisha Pollution Control Board has imposed restrictions on firecrackers. Only “green crackers” will be permitted for use, while firecrackers containing barium nitrate have been banned.

This decision follows a clarification by the Supreme Court, which stated that the ban on barium nitrate firecrackers applies to all states and is not limited to the Delhi-NCR region.

Residents of Odisha are allowed to burst permissible crackers between 6 AM and 10 PM on Diwali day. Dr. K. Murugesan, Member Secretary of the Odisha Pollution Control Board, explained that crackers producing more than 125 decibels of sound are prohibited. Letters will be issued to all district administrations to ensure compliance with these guidelines.

To maintain a peaceful and pollution-free Diwali, the use of firecrackers within a 100-meter radius of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and religious institutions is not allowed. District administrations will form squads to monitor and address violations, with board members participating to measure sound emissions from firecrackers. The police will take necessary action against violators.