Diwali 2024: Odisha issues guidelines, sets time limit for bursting crackers

Odisha’s State Pollution Control Board on Tuesday issued a fresh set of guidelines for bursting firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. Amid rising concerns over the deterioration of air quality during Diwali, the state authorities tightened norms and set a two-hour window to burst firecrackers. 
According to the latest advisory, the permissible window to burst crackers is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. 
The advisory states, “Celebrate Deepavali by burning Diyas only and limit bursting of firecrackers between 7 pm and 9 pm only. Also avoid bursting series firecrackers and crackers generating a peak noise level of 125 dBA.”
The advisory further mentions that firecrackers should not be burst near gardens, parks, or silence zones, such as areas comprising 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions, courts, religious places, and other areas where general public gatherings take place. Odisha residents are allowed to burst only “green firecrackers” in open areas.
Other guidelines are listed below that the residents of the state are expected to follow while celebrating Diwali with firecrackers:
The advisory adds, “Hon’ble Supreme Court has also banned production and sale of crackers except green crackers. Uses of Barium and banned chemicals in firecrackers have also been prohibited.”
It may be noted that recently the Bengaluru Police has also issued guidelines to ensure a safe and eco-friendly Diwali celebration amid environmental concerns. Apart from the general guidelines, Police Commissioner B Dayanand advised people to wear protective gear and ensure safety precautions while lighting crackers, reported India Today. Water or a fire extinguisher must be in close access to prevent accidents. He urged citizens to refrain from causing distress to animals.