Odisha releases Diwali guidelines; know firecracker bursting timings

Ahead of Diwali, the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha has issued guidelines to check the pollution level which is expected to worsen on Diwali night. 

The pollution watchdog has asked people to celebrate Diwali by burning diyas only and limiting the bursting of firecrackers between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. It has also advised people to avoid bursting series crackers and crackers generating a peak noise level of 125 dBA.

Also Read: Odisha Fire Dept prepares for trouble-free Diwali in Bhubaneswar-Cuttack

Here are the other guidelines:

1. Firecrackers should not be burst near gardens/parks, in silence zone such as areas comprising 100 meters around hospitals, educational institutions, courts, religion places etc. as declared by the competent authority. 

2. Only green firecrackers are allowed in open areas. 

3. Avoid using firecrackers near slums and structures that are easily flammable on road and busy traffic. . 

4. Children below 10 years are not allowed to burst sound -generating fire crackers. Wear cotton cloths while bursting firecrackers. 

5. The Supreme Court has also banned production and sale of crackers except green crackers. Uses of Barium and banned chemicals in fire crackers have also been prohibited.