Covid-19: Odisha bans sale, use of fire crackers

Bhubaneswar: In view of Covid-19 pandemic, the Odisha government on Tuesday banned sale and use of fire crackers from November 10 to 30.

Diwali and Kartika Purnima festivals are approaching and people usually burn fire crackers during such occasions. Diwali is on November 14.

“And whereas, it is a well-known fact that burning of the fire crackers releases copious amounts of harmful chemicals, which have severe impact on the respiratory health of vulnerable groups and such pollutants can further aggravate health conditions of COVID-19 positive persons besides persons staying in home isolation” said an order of Special Relief Commissioner.

It said the Technical Expert Committee of the state government has recommended for prohibition of burning of fire crackers to protect the vulnerable groups like elderly, children, persons with co-morbidities and others.

“Considering the potentially harmful consequences of burning of crackers amidst COVID-19 pandemic situation and approaching winter, the State Government have directed to prohibit the sale and use of fire crackers from 10th to 30th of November,2020 in public interest,” said the SRC.