Cuttack: Ahead of Diwali, huge quantity of firecrackers were seized in Odisha yet again. As the State government banned the sale and use of firecrackers in the State for Diwali, the Commissionerate Police today also seized a huge quantity of crackers in Cuttack’s Bidanasi area and one minor has been arrested in this connection, informed Police officer Pradeep Nayak in a press conference.
Reportedly, Kumpi (flower pots), rockets, rope bombs, anar, shots and other Chinese firecrackers were seized. The seized firecrackers have been estimated worth Rs 5 lakh rupees.
Earlier on Tuesday, Commissionerate Police also seized huge quantity of firecrackers were seized in Cuttack’s Jagatpur area.
Prior to that on Sunday, the Police seized a huge cache of firecrackers from Nalabanta in Aska area of Ganjam district. Acting on a tip-off regarding the manufacture of illegal firecrackers, a team of Aska Police conducted a raid at Nalabanta area.
It is noteworthy of that the Orissa High Court on Monday allowed sale and use of green crackers during this year’s Diwali celebration. A bench of Chief Justice S. Muralidhar and Justice B.P. Routray issued the order.
The state government, in its order issued on September 30, had prohibited sale and use of firecrackers during the festive season between October 1 and November 1, in view of Covid-19 situation. Challenging the order, the All Odisha Fireworks Dealers Association had moved the high court.
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) had issued an order allowing the sale of green crackers in the state, and the court passed an order accepting it. As per the SRC order, the crackers can be used between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., on Diwali (November 4). The sale and use of other fireworks have been completely banned.
Only those traders/dealers who obtain and produce a certificate from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) have been allowed to sell their products. The retailers who obtain a license from the concerned authorities under the provisions of the Indian Explosive Act, 1884 are allowed to sell green fireworks. Traders/dealers who fail to obtain and produce the certificate from PESO will not be allowed to sell their products.
The green fireworks can only be sold at designated sites and all Covid-19 protocols must be strictly followed. Sale of fireworks on the internet has been strictly banned, as per the order. Violation of any of the aforesaid conditions shall be dealt with strictly and penal action shall be taken in accordance with law, it said.
The district administrations and Police Commissionerates have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the above conditions.
Also read: Odisha issues guidelines for use and sale of green firecracker during Diwali celebration
Ms Kalinga