Odisha Pollution Control Board Restricts Firecracker Timings and Use for Diwali
The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has announced a set of guidelines for the upcoming Diwali festivities, aiming to curb pollution and minimize environmental impact. In a public advisory issued on Tuesday, the board has limited the bursting of firecrackers to a two-hour window, strictly between 7 PM and 9 PM on Diwali night.
The guidelines also mandate that only green firecrackers are permitted in open areas, prohibiting the use of traditional chemical firecrackers that contain harmful substances like barium nitrate. This measure seeks to reduce hazardous emissions that contribute to air and noise pollution.
The OSPCB has further restricted the use of firecrackers in sensitive zones, including a 100-meter radius around schools, hospitals, courts, religious places, parks, and gardens, as well as other areas marked by local authorities. Violations of these guidelines could lead to penalties as authorities work to ensure safe and environmentally friendly celebrations across Odisha.
These rules align with the board’s continued efforts to combat pollution, especially during the festival season.