Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Odisha government has prohibited the sale and use of fire crackers from November 10 to November 30 in view of Covid-19 pandemic.

A notice in this regard was today published by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).

“Considering the potentially harmful consequences of burning of crackers amidst COVID-l9 pandemic situation and approaching winter, Government of Odisha, therefore, prohibits the sale and use of fire crackers from 10th to 30th of November,2020 in public interest. Deepavali, the festival of lights, may be celebrated in the traditional way by lighting of Earthen Lamps (Mati Deepa/Diya), Candles and other traditional lighting materials,” read a press release of Odisha government.

“Anyone found violating the orders of the Government banning sale and use of fire crackers shall be punished as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws. The Administration and Police have been suitably instructed,” further read the release.