Chief Secretary Suresh Mahapatra on Tuesday directed all district Collectors and Superintendents of Police and Police Commissioners to strictly enforce the directions of the Supreme Court and the High Court and the guidelines of Special Relief Commissioner on sale and use of green crackers during Diwali.
Mahapatra reviewed the Diwali rule enforcement preparedness with these officials over a video conference. He made it categorically clear that public health and post-Covid care of the persons recovering from Covid were of prime importance. Only the crackers certified by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) would be sold and used. No trader or retailer would sell crackers without a valid licence from the respective Collector or Police Commissioner.
All cracker vendors and the people violating the orders would be strictly dealt with as per provisions of law.SRC Pardeep Jena clarified that no trader would be allowed to deal with crackers merely showing the code of green certification on the product.
The certificates produced by the retailers should be verified from PESO before issue of the trading and retail licences.