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Cuttack: With the festival of lights ‘Diwali’ approaching, Odisha Police is now gearing up to implement the recent Supreme Court order regarding sale and use of only ‘green firecrackers’ in letter and spirit this year.
Addressing a presser, Police DG RP Sharma informed that already a circular has been issued to all police stations across the State to ensure that crackers are used within the stipulated time between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali as directed by the apex court.
Clear instructions have been issued to all Superintendents of Police, IICs, Police Commissioners and DCPs of twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to ensure a complete ban on manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers of the particular chemical composition which has been banned.
Only improvised crackers or 'green crackers' will be allowed so as to protect the environment, minimise health hazards and ensure safety.
As per the circular, only licensed traders will be allowed to store and sell crackers while action will be taken in case of violation as per the prescribed norms.
“We have asked all senior police officials to explore the possibility of identifying a particular space/land so that people can assemble at one place in their respective jurisdiction and burst crackers on Diwali,” said Sharma.
Sharma further informed that concerned IICs will be responsible if there is any deviation in sale of banned firecrackers in their respective areas.
“We are also planning to conduct intensive public awareness regarding the recent Supreme Court order on firecrackers across the State,” Sharma added.
Senior police officials further informed that not only Diwali, restriction on use of firecrackers will also be applicable during Christmas and New Year celebrations. In the case of New Year celebrations, the time has been scheduled from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM by the Supreme Court.
(Pic Credit: JanSatta)
