Diwali 2021: Ban on Firecrackers In Odisha Evokes Mixed Reaction

Ahead of the festive season, the Odisha government at the start of this month banned sale and bursting of firecrackers considering its harmful consequences amidst COVID19 pandemic. The decision has triggered mixed reactions among the people across the state.

Following the ban, the All Odisha Firecrackers Dealers' Association filed a petition at Orissa High Court seeking its intervention into the govt’s decision. The HC has refused to pass any order but gave liberty to the association to seek relaxations on ban on sale of green crackers through a fresh petition.

"I will not just cite Covid (as the reason of ban). Burning of fire crackers emits smoke which contains toxic substances. Covid is a disease which primarily affects our lungs. If in our environment the air gets polluted, it can affect the Covid patients more. So to avoid such consequences, in general, we will light diyas in Diwali. Government will take a final decision in this regard," said Bijay Mohapatra, Director of Health Services.

However, the ban on use of firecrackers has evoked mixed reactions from the public. While most of them are in support of the government’s decision, others were concerned about the livelihood of the workers in firecracker industry.

"Burning firecrackers is not that necessary in Diwali. Our environment is already grappling with pollution and I think by burning fire crackers the condition will worsen. As Diwali is the festival of lights, we can celebrate it by lighting diyas, making rangolis and distributing sweets among ourselves," stated Amrit Pritam Rout, a resident of Bhubaneswar.

Another local Nihar Mohanty has urged for relaxation for at least an hour on the festival day. "Burning crackers is not good. But disallowing sale and use will directly affect the livelihood of those working in the cracker manufacturing units. I urge the government to allow bursting of crackers for at least 30 mins or one hour, else the people working in the firecrackers factory will suffer a lot. Relaxation for an hour will not have a large impact and the people working in the firecrackers factory will also be happy during the festival," said Mohanty. 

Ayush, another denizen of the capital city, said, "There is no need to ban use of firecrackers. There are many firecracker traders and manufacturers whose businesses will be hampered, so bursting of firecrackers should be allowed." 

Meanwhile, the Orissa High Court has sought reply from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Odisha as well as CPCB on allowing sale and use of green crackers. All eyes are now on the verdict of the High Court.