Orissa HC Allows Only Green Crackers On Diwali

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Monday granted permission for the sale and bursting of only green crackers this Diwali.

However, while giving its permission, the HC said that only green crackers approved by the Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) can be sold and used.

Besides, the HC allowed the bursting of crackers on Diwali only from 8 pm to 10 pm.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the All Odisha Fireworks Dealers Association seeking relaxation of the ban imposed by the state government on the sale and use of firecrackers.

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

During a hearing last week, the HC asked the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) to decide on the issue by November 1 considering the directives of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) as well as guidelines issued by the Odisha government to check the spread of COVID-19.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Senior Advocate Gautam Mukherjee said that the SRC submitted a report to the HC, stating that only green crackers can be allowed with restrictions.

Strict action will be taken against those found selling or bursting banned crackers.