Bhubaneswar: A day after Odisha government banned the sale and bursting of firecrackers this Diwali, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) today prohibited sale of diyas on roadside and at temporary stalls to avoid crowd in view of COVID-19 pandemic.
BMC commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary on Wednesday informed that a separate open space will be identified by the corporation for the opening of temporary diya stalls. People will have to seek permission from the concerned authorities for the opening of stalls.
However, the already existing shops can sell diyas and lights but they have to ensure social distancing and no crowding in front of their shops, Chaudhary added.
On COVID-19 situation in the Smart city, the BMC commissioner said that Bhubaneswar has now less than 1000 active cases. It shows that coronavirus is in a declining phase and a lot of people have antibody but complacency will create further problems.
Also Read: Odisha Bans Sale & Bursting Firecrackers Till November 30
Odisha government on Tuesday prohibited the sale and bursting of firecrackers between November 10 and 30 stating that considering the potentially harmful effects of the fumes emanating from firecrackers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the onset of winter.
“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,” read a notification released on the same by the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office.
Read More: Licences For Sale Of Firecrackers Shops Not Given So Far: Cuttack DCP