Green Diwali: Orissa HC Leaves The Decision On SRC; Next Hearing On Nov 1

Cuttack: Orissa High Court on Friday asked the Special Relief Commissioner  (SRC) to take a decision regarding the sale and use of green crackers in the state.

The HC was hearing a petition filed by All Odisha Fireworks Dealers Association seeking relaxation of the ban imposed by the state government on sale and use of firecrackers. They are seeking permission for sale of only green crackers before Diwali.

The court has asked the SRC decide on the issue by considering the directives of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) as well as guidelines issued by Odisha Government to check the spread of COVID-19.

The HC has scheduled the next hearing to Monday afternoon and directed the SRC to decide on the subject and inform the court by 10 am on November 1.

The SRC will hear all the petitioners on October 30 in his office and accordingly take a decision.

It may be mentioned that earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had urged Naveen Patnaik as well as the CMs of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi to reconsider their decision on ban on sale of firecrackers and allow sale of green crackers.

In a letter, which was personally delivered by Kanimozhi, Stalin requested them to allow the sale of firecrackers which fall under the norms set by the SC and the NGT, in their respective states during this Diwali.

Odisha government on September 30 had ordered a complete ban on sale and use of firecrackers to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

Earlier on Wednesday, the court had adjourned the hearing in the matter while fixing it for today (Friday).