Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has issued a comprehensive advisory for Diwali celebrations across the state, urging the public to use certified green crackers and adhere to strict safety protocols to curb air and noise pollution.
The Board has communicated the guidelines to all District Collectors and the Odisha State Government. While the state’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remains within the satisfactory range, authorities are stepping up monitoring to prevent a post-festival surge in pollution.
Chemical Hazards & Green Cracker Verification
Chief Environmental Scientist of the OSPCB, Niranjan Mallik, confirmed that the advisory reiterates Supreme Court directives advocating eco-friendly fireworks:
- Toxic Chemical Risks: Traditional fireworks contain hazardous heavy metals such as barium nitrate, lead, arsenic, and lithium, which pose severe risks to respiratory health and local ecosystems.
- Authentication via QR Codes: Mallik advised consumers to verify genuine green crackers by checking for official CSIR-NEERI logos and scannable QR codes printed on product packaging.
- Satisfactory AQI Range: Odisha’s current AQI levels range between 0 and 50 (Good/Satisfactory), but officials warned that failure to follow guidelines could lead to rapid air degradation.
Child Safety & Decibel Limits
The advisory lays down specific safety restrictions to mitigate noise pollution and protect vulnerable age groups:
- Child Safety Restriction: Children under 10 years of age must not be permitted to burst noise-generating firecrackers.
- Noise Ceiling: Sound levels for permitted firecrackers are strictly capped at a maximum threshold of 125 decibels (dB).
- Public Appeal: The Board has appealed to citizens to celebrate responsibly, balancing festive traditions with public health and environmental protection.
