Odisha Chief Secretary Orders strictly enforce the directions of Supreme Court, High Court regarding the sale and use of green crackers

Bhubaneswar:2/11/21 OdishaChief Secretary Sri Suresh Ch Mahapatra directed all Collectors, SPs, and Police Commissioners to strictly enforce the directions of Supreme Court, High Court, and orders of the SRC regarding the sale and use of green crackers for ensuing Dewali. Sri Mahapatra made it categorically clear that public health and post-covid care of the persons recovering from Covid were of prime importance. There must be a proper balance between public health and celebration. Only the cracker certified by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO) would be sold and used.

No trader or retailer would sale the crackers without a valid license for sale 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 the law. Sri Mahapatra also directed that nobody would be permitted to use the crackers on roads and public places. The people should use only the green crackers inside premises of their own houses, he added. Explaining the direction of the apex courts, Development Commissioner and Special Relief Commissioner Pardeep Kumar Jena clarified that no trader or retailer should be allowed to deal with the crackers merely showing the code of green certification on the product.

Director-General of Police Abhaya instructed the SPs to have detailed sensitization of all the IICs, OICs, and field-level police officials regarding green cracker SOP.

They were asked to have intensive field verification for strict implementation of the orders.

The Collectors and SPs appraised the detailed arrangement done in their respective areas for ensuring the sale and use of only green crackers.