Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police have warned of strict action against those bursting firecrackers in Odisha’s Cuttack city after 9 pm on Diwali.
“The city denizens are permitted to burst crackers only between 7 pm and 9 pm. Police presence will be intensified at Kali Puja mandaps and sensitive areas,” said Cuttack DCP Rishikesh Khilari.
Residents have been urged to comply with the prescribed timings and safety guidelines. “People must store firecrackers, away from children, and burst those only in safe, open spaces. Appropriate action against those who violate these guidelines,” the DCP added.
The decision, which is aimed at reducing noise pollution during the night, aligns with similar restrictions in state capital Bhubaneswar, where special patrolling teams will also be deployed on Monday evening to monitor people’s behaviour. People driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol will face action.
The rule for Diwali also coincides with ongoing Agni drive to curb illegal storage, unauthorised transportation, and unlawful sale of explosives and firecrackers. So far, 41 cases have been registered and 30 people arrested with firecrackers and explosives worth Rs 50,23,200 being seized, highlighting the scale of illegal operations.
Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued directions to the sanitation wing to collect firecracker waste early in the morning, the day after Diwali and ensure that arteries, sub-arteries, and lanes are not littered.
