Odisha allows sale and use of green crackers on Diwali

After the Orissa High Court on Monday gave nod for the sale and use of green crackers this Diwali, the State Government has issued guidelines in this regard.

The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) in its detailed order has allowed sale of green crackers only, approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

It added that the people of Odisha are allowed to burst green crackers for two hours in the evening, from 8 PM to 10 PM during diwali celebrations on Thursday.

In an ongoing pandemic and keeping in mind the health of the public, in an September 30 order, the SRC had banned the sale and use of firecrackers during the festive season.

But the directive on Monday came from the Court while hearing a petition filed by the Fireworks Dealers Association against the earlier order issued by SRC.

“Only those traders/dealers who produce a certificate from the PESO, after due inspection of their existing stock, certifying that the green fireworks stocks in their possession confirm to the definition and formulation…shall be allowed to sell their products,” the SRC guidelines said.

It added: “Green fireworks shall only be sold at designated sites as permitted by appropriate authority and all Covid-19 protocols shall be strictly followed.”

Moreover, retail fireworks shops shall be allowed to set up shops and sell green fireworks only in special or designated zones.