Cuttack: Following Supreme Court’s directions regulating firecrackers, Cuttack district administration has imposed certain restrictions ahead of Diwali celebrations in the millennium city.
The administration Thursday informed that only ‘green crackers’ will be allowed to ensure that firecrackers do not burst above 125 decibels. Firecrackers containing barium nitrate have been banned. Besides, fireworks that cause more noise and air pollution have been prohibited.
The administration has allotted specific locations in Cuttack for retail firecracker traders this year. Krushak Bazar field, CDA sector-9 ground, Khannagar river bank, Pota Pokhari, Chauliaganj playground, OMP playground, Panchamukhi Hanuman Mandir ground, Baliyatra upper ground, Devigada are among the places that have been selected for firecrackers trade in Cuttack. All the selected areas have been declared as ‘No Smoking’ zones.
The traders need to submit a total of five No Objection Certificates (NOCs) at DCP’s office to obtain a license for firecracker trade. The five NOCs are comprised of space allotment by Cuttack Municipal Corporation, a fire safety certificate from Fire Services Department, and one each from Traffic Police, Zonal ACP and local police station.
Additionally, a Fire Services official informed that it is mandatory for each firecracker retail trader to keep a fire extinguisher, a sandbag and a water bucket at his/ her shop.
The official further said that temporary fire stations would operate at five police stations in Cuttack to avert any fire mishap during the festival of lights.
PNN