​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: Odisha State Pollution Board (OSPCB) on Monday warned denizens of optimising chemical fire crackers this Diwali.

On the other hand, the environmental watch dog has urged denizens to prefer Green Crackers over the chemical & hazardous ones.

The body issued guidelines regarding firework activities during the Diwali to curb environmental hazards ensuring public safety.

As per the directive, the bursting of firecrackers will only be permitted between 7 pm and 9 pm. Firecrackers exceeding the permissible noise limit of 125 dB (AI) are strictly banned.

“The use of firecrackers has been prohibited in parks, silence zones, and within 100 meters of hospitals, educational institutions, religious places, and courts. Only green crackers certified by regulatory authorities are allowed and must be burst only in open spaces,” the OSPCB stated.

Additionally, residential areas, roads, and crowded public spaces are off-limits for firecracker use.

Significantly, children below the age of 10 are restricted from handling high-decibel crackers.

The Board has also advised people to wear cotton clothing while bursting crackers to reduce the risk of burns or accidents.

Apart from it, general public has been asked to keep water and sand and fire-dousing materials/devices nearby while using fireworks.

People are also advised to maintain safe distance from the elderly persons and animals during fireworks.

The board has also advised people to wearing protective goggles to ensure eye safety during fireworks.

Violation of these guidelines will invite strict legal action under The Orissa Fire Crackers and Loudspeakers (Regulation) Act, 1958, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

Citizens can report violations to local authorities, including the District Magistrate, ADM, SDM, SP, ASP, DSP, and SDPO concerned.