Strict guidelines for Diwali celebration in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar issued; 10 things to know

As Diwali celebrations are set to light up Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on Monday evening, the Commissionerate Police has urged citizens to celebrate responsibly while ensuring safety and adherence to environmental norms. 

To maintain peace and avoid mishaps during the festival of lights, the police have issued a set of strict guidelines regulating the bursting of firecrackers, sale of banned items, and public safety measures across the twin cities of Odisha. 

Patrol teams and special enforcement squads will be deployed at sensitive locations and puja mandaps to ensure an incident-free Diwali celebration, reportedly.

Guidelines for Diwali

1. From 7 pm to 9 pm today, firecrackers can be burst for only two hours as per the directive of the Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar–Cuttack.
2. Strict action will be taken against those who burst high-decibel firecrackers.
3. Drivers found driving under the influence of alcohol will be detained, and their vehicles will be seized.
4. All police station patrol vans will remain on alert; any person found violating norms will face strict action.
5. Immediate action will be taken against anyone found selling illegal firecrackers.
6. Bursting firecrackers near hospitals, educational institutions, courts, and temples is strictly prohibited.
7. People have been specially requested to burst only green firecrackers in open spaces.
8. Firecrackers must not be burst near houses, especially kutcha houses, shops, or traffic points.
9. Children below the age of 10 are not permitted to burst sound-producing firecrackers.
10. Police will maintain strict surveillance at all locations, and violations will invite action. 

Meanwhile, due to Kali Puja, police personnel have been deployed at puja mandaps and sensitive areas.