Bhubaneswar, Nov 1 (UDN): Ahead of Diwali, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has issued a set of guidelines regulating the use of firecrackers, allowing celebrations with fireworks only between 7 PM and 9 PM. The restrictions are aimed at reducing air and noise pollution while ensuring public safety during the festival.
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The guidelines, issued on Saturday and approved by the Board’s Member Secretary, permit the use of only approved green crackers in open spaces during the two-hour window. Conventional firecrackers, including garland crackers and those producing excessive noise, have been restricted.
The Board has also appealed to people to celebrate the festival by prioritising traditional lamps, decorative lighting and cultural activities rather than excessive use of fireworks.
Firecrackers Banned in Silence Zones
The OSPCB has prohibited bursting firecrackers in designated silence zones, including areas around hospitals, educational institutions, courts, religious places, parks and gardens.
The use of fireworks has also been discouraged near slums, shops, buildings, busy roads and other locations where fire accidents could occur.
As per the guidelines, the noise level of firecrackers must not exceed the prescribed limit of 125 dB(AI). Consumers have been advised to check for the CSIR-NEERI green logo and QR code on cracker packets and purchase products only from authorised sellers.
The Board has further stated that, in line with Supreme Court directions, the manufacture and sale of firecrackers other than green crackers are restricted. The use of barium and other prohibited chemicals in fireworks is strictly banned.
Safety Measures for Consumers
The pollution control body has urged people to follow basic safety precautions while bursting crackers. Children below 10 years should not be allowed to burst noise-producing firecrackers, while people have been advised to wear cotton clothes and transparent protective goggles.
The guidelines caution against holding crackers in hand while lighting them. Fireworks should be placed on the ground and ignited from a safe distance. People should move away immediately after lighting them and avoid attempting to relight unexploded crackers.
The Board has also recommended keeping a bucket of water or sand nearby to deal with emergencies.
Special care has been advised for elderly people, individuals with respiratory ailments and domestic animals, who are particularly vulnerable to smoke and loud noise.
Violations May Invite Legal Action
Violations of the prescribed restrictions may attract penalties under the Odisha Fireworks and Loudspeakers (Control) Act, 1958, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
Residents can report violations to the district administration or local police, the guidelines state.
OSPCB Urges Buyers to Check Certification
OSPCB Chief Environmental Scientist Dr. Niranjan Mallik highlighted the environmental risks associated with chemical ingredients used in fireworks, particularly barium nitrate, which contributes to higher noise levels.
He urged consumers to check the CSIR-NEERI certification logos before purchasing crackers, especially those intended for children.
Mallik also said the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) would certify authorised sellers and firecracker products. Based on these certifications, the district administration and Police Commissioner would grant the necessary permissions for the sale and use of green crackers.
The Board has appealed to residents to celebrate an environmentally responsible Diwali by limiting fireworks, following the prescribed timings and choosing safer alternatives to reduce pollution.