Odisha Sets Guidelines for Firecracker Use During Diwali

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has issued guidelines for the safe use of firecrackers during Diwali , urging residents to celebrate responsibly. People are advised to burst firecrackers only between 7 PM and 9 PM on the festival day. The guidelines also restrict firecracker use near gardens, parks, and within a 100-metre radius of educational institutions, hospitals, courts, and religious sites. Only eco-friendly “green crackers” are permitted in open areas, while chemical firecrackers containing barium nitrate are strictly prohibited.

Furthermore, the OSPCB has recommended against the use of series of firecrackers or those producing sounds exceeding 125 decibels. Children under 10 years old are not allowed to use sound-generating firecrackers. The board also encourages residents to wear cotton clothing while bursting firecrackers for safety.

In preparation for the festivities, the fire services department is setting up seven temporary fire stations across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to ensure public safety during the celebrations.

Overview of Firecracker Regulations in Other States

Several other states have also enacted strict regulations concerning firecracker use during Diwali. In Delhi, all types of firecrackers are banned until January 1, 2025, due to persistent air quality issues. Firecrackers are only permitted for specific durations: on Diwali from 8 PM to 10 PM.

Haryana mirrors Delhi’s regulations, allowing green crackers only during designated times. Meanwhile, Bihar has imposed a total ban on all firecrackers in major cities following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

West Bengal allows only green crackers, which produce 30% less pollution, and Maharashtra follows similar NGT guidelines to minimize environmental impact. Punjab and Tamil Nadu have also set restrictions on firecracker use, promoting responsible celebrations during the festive season.

This Diwali, these regulations reflect a collective effort across states to ensure that the joy of the festival is not at the expense of environmental health.