Bhubaneswar: Amid COVID-19 crisis, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday put a ban on the sale of diyas on the roadside and at temporary stalls in the city.
This comes close on the heels of the Odisha government’s decision to prohibit sale and bursting of firecrackers this Diwali, considering the potentially harmful consequences of burning these amid COVID-19 pandemic situation and approaching winter.
BMC commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary said that a separate open space will be identified for the opening of temporary diya stalls. People will have to seek permission from the authorities concerned for the opening of stalls there, he said.
“The existing shops will be allowed to sell diyas and lights but they have to ensure social distancing and no crowding in front of their shops,” he added.
