Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure an eco-friendly and noise-free Diwali celebration across the state.
The aim is to reduce air and noise pollution while promoting green crackers.
Firecrackers are permitted only from 7 pm to 9 pm, with a ban on those exceeding 125 decibels. Only certified green crackers may be used, and that too in open areas. Children under 10 are not allowed to handle high-decibel fireworks.
Bursting firecrackers is banned in residential areas, roads, and crowded public spaces. Firecrackers are also prohibited in parks, silence zones, and within 100 metres of hospitals, schools, religious sites, and courts.
The OSPCB recommends wearing cotton clothing to prevent burns, keeping water and sand nearby, and avoiding hand-lighting fireworks or re-igniting duds. Proper disposal of used crackers and area cleanup are mandatory.
Citizens are urged to keep distance from the elderly and animals and wear protective goggles for eye safety.
Violations will face strict penalties under The Orissa Fire Crackers and Loudspeakers (Regulation) Act, 1958, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, it further stated.
People are encouraged to report violations to local authorities, it added.