Bhubaneswar: With just over a week to go for Diwali, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) issued a set of guidelines urging people to celebrate the festival of lights in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.
Bursting of crackers during Diwali has been restricted to a two-hour window — between 7 pm and 9 pm.
Bursting crackers is strictly prohibited in designated silence zones, including areas near hospitals, educational institutions, courts, parks, gardens and religious places.
The advisory further prohibits bursting firecrackers near residential settlements, shops, buildings, roads and areas with heavy vehicular movement, particularly locations where there is a risk of fire accidents.
People have been urged to avoid firecrackers that generate excessive noise and air pollution, and encouraged to celebrate by lighting earthen lamps and diyas.
According to the guidelines, only approved green crackers will be permitted in open spaces. The manufacture and sale of conventional firecrackers, other than green crackers, will remain restricted in accordance with Supreme Court directives.
The pollution control board has specified that the noise level of firecrackers must not exceed the prescribed limit of 125 decibels(A).
People have been advised to purchase green crackers only from authorised sellers, and verify the CSIR-NEERI logo and QR code printed on the packaging to ensure their authenticity.
Keeping in mind children’s safety, the Board has cautioned against allowing children under 10 to burst noise-producing crackers. People have been advised to wear cotton clothes while handling fireworks and use transparent protective goggles to safeguard their eyes.
Use of barium and other prohibited chemicals in firecrackers are strictly banned.
A bucket of water or sand should be kept near the place where crackers are being burst to deal with emergencies.
People have been advised not to hold firecrackers in their hands while lighting them. Firecrackers should always be placed on the ground before being ignited, and people must move to a safe distance immediately after lighting them. Unexploded crackers should never be relit.
The need to dispose of firecracker residues safely has been highlighted to prevent accidental fires. People bursting firecrackers have been asked to remain sensitive towards pets and other animals. Senior citizens and those suffering from respiratory ailments have been advised to stay away from firecracker smoke.
Any violation of the guidelines could invite penal action under the Explosives Act, 1958, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
Citizens can lodge complaints regarding violations with their respective district administrations or the police.
Diwali is on November 8, but the celebration starts before and continues after that.