Bhubaneswar: In a preventive measure to control further spread of COVID-19 during Diwali, the Odisha government has imposed ban on sale and use of firecrackers during the period from November 10 to November 30.
“Considering the potentially harmful consequences of burning of crackers amidst COVID-19 pandemic situation and the approaching winter, the state government has directed to prohibit the sale and use of fire crackers from 10th to 30th of November, 2020 in public interest,” read an order issued Thursday by the Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy.
It is generally observed that elderly persons, children, and those with comorbidities develop respiratory problems during winter. Further, the burning of the firecrackers will release copious amounts of harmful chemicals like nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc that have a severe impact on the respiratory health of vulnerable groups. Such pollutants can also further aggravate health conditions of COVID-19 infected patients, the order said.
Therefore, the government has imposed the ban on firecrackers and advised the people to celebrate the ‘festival of lights’ in the traditional way by lighting of earthen lamps (Diya), candles and other materials.
The government sought cooperation from people to fight the global pandemic and save the lives of the vulnerable population. “Anyone found violating the orders of the government banning sale and use of fire crackers shall be punished as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws,” warned the government.
The Odisha government has asked the administration and police to ensure strict enforcement of the order.