Following the recent Supreme Court order for sale and use of only green firecrackers within a stipulated timeframe, the State police are gearing up to implement the apex court’s directions.
DGP Dr RP Sharma in a Press meet on Friday said that already a circular has been issued to all police stations across the State to ensure that crackers are used within the stipulated time between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali as directed by the apex court.
Strict instructions have been issued to all Superintendents of Police, Inspectors-in-Charge (IICs) of police stations, Police Commissioners and DCPs of twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to ensure a complete ban on manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers of the particular chemical compositions which has been banned by the court. Only improvised crackers or ‘green crackers’ will be allowed so as to protect the environment, minimise health hazards and ensure safety. As per the police circular, only licensed traders will be allowed to store and sell crackers while action will be taken in case of violation as per the prescribed norms.
“We have asked all senior police officials to explore the possibility of identifying a particular space, land so that people can assemble at one place in their respective jurisdiction and burst crackers on Diwali,” said DGP Sharma. He further informed that concerned IICs would be held responsible if there is any deviation in sale of banned firecrackers in their respective areas.
“We are also planning to conduct intensive public awareness regarding the Supreme Court order on firecrackers across the State,” Sharma added.