Bhubaneswar: Considering the potentially harmful effects of the fumes emanating from firecrackers on people with respiratory problems and co-morbidities-- especially during the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the onset of winter-- the Odisha Government on Tuesday prohibited the sale and bursting of firecrackers between November 10 and 30.
A notification to this effect was issued by the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office on Tuesday evening.
“The State is passing through a critical stage of COVID-19 pandemic; And whereas, the winter season is approaching during which the elderly, children, persons with co-morbidities and others develop respiratory problems,” an official notification read.
Every year, people start bursting firecrackers even before Diwali which continues even after the Kartika Purina festivals. The incessant bursting of crackers releases copious amount of harmful fumes-nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide- which severely impact people having respiratory problems and the vulnerable groups. Such pollutants can further aggravate health conditions of COVID-19 positive persons besides those in home isolation, the notification stated.
“The Technical Expert Committee of the State Government has recommended for prohibition of burning of firecrackers to protect the vulnerable groups like elderly, children, persons with co-morbidities and others,” the notification added.
Anyone found violating the orders of the Government banning sale and use of
fire crackers shall be punished as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act,
2005 and other relevant laws, official sources said.