Bhubaneswar, Nov 11: Police Commissionerate in the capital city has enforced regulations on fireworks during the Diwali festivities on Sunday. 

Bhubaneswar residents are permitted to ignite only authorized types of fireworks until 10 pm on the eve of Diwali, as announced by Police Commissioner Saumendra Priyadarshi on Friday.

Stricter measures are in place to curb noise levels exceeding 125 decibels and the use of illegal fireworks. A specialized team has been mobilized for inspections to clamp down on the use of unauthorized fireworks within the city.

"In adherence to the guidelines, citizens can engage in fireworks until 10 pm on Diwali. Any fireworks causing noise disturbances beyond this allocated time will face repercussions," stated Priyadarshi.

He emphasized the supervision of minors by guardians during firecracker activities and advocated for the utilization of eco-friendly fireworks to mitigate air and noise pollution. Following directives from the Supreme Court, limitations have been imposed on locally produced fireworks, permitting only PESO-approved green fireworks for sale in Odisha.

Fireworks generating less than 125 decibels are authorized for sale. Niranjan Mallick, a senior scientist from the State Pollution Board, highlighted the ban on handmade fireworks containing harmful chemicals like Barium nitrate, lithium antimony, and arsenic, which emit toxic gases detrimental to the environment. These have been prohibited in Odisha since November 2021.

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