Bhubaneswar: In a preventive step to rein further spread of COVID-19 during festivity especially during Diwali, the Odisha government has imposed a ban on sale and use of firecrackers during the period from November 10 to November 30.
“Considering the potentially harmful consequences of burning of crackers amidst COVID-19 pandemic situation and the approaching winter, the state government has directed to prohibit the sale and use of fire crackers from 10th to 30th of November, 2020 in public interest,” a government order said.
The Odisha Government has asked the administration and police to ensure strict enforcement of the order.
To get the views of people on the decision taken by the government, thenewsroom interacted with people of various sections from across the State.
Nearly 90 percent of the respondents to whom thenewsroom talked were in favour of the ban on sale of firecrackers and welcomed the Naveen Patnaik Government decision. They stated that to control air pollution and Covid-19 situation, this step was much needed, however, some were apprehensive about how effective the ban would be.
They added that the authorities should take strict action against defaulting people. Only one percent of the respondents seemed not pleased with the decision on banning the crackers. They said that the announcement made by the Government would mar the festive mood, as there has been a long tradition of lighting fireworks on Diwali.
It is generally observed that elderly persons, children, and those with co-morbidities develop respiratory problems during winter. Further, the burning of the firecrackers will release copious amounts of harmful chemicals like nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc that have a severe impact on the respiratory health of vulnerable groups. Such pollutants can also further aggravate health conditions of COVID-19 infected patients.
The Government has advised the people to celebrate the ‘festival of lights’ in the traditional way by lighting of earthen lamps (Diya), candles and other materials.
Reacting to the decision very few had also opinion that before banning, the authorities should have been considerate about fireworks’ manufacturers, traders and their families.
Majority of people in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack feel that no source of pollution is to be ignored when it comes to the public health concerns specially during Covid-19.
Meanwhile health professionals have also welcomed the Government’s decision. “Banning sale of firecrackers is a very welcome move as smoke from fireworks is a common trigger for many individuals with asthma, many people experience respiratory distress, bronchitis, persistent cough, burning eyes, itchy throat and other related problems”, said a Manmohan Bisoi, a medicine specialist in Nabarangpur district.
Surprisingly a large number firecrackers traders in Berhampur have also welcomed the Government’s decision. Speaking to thenewsroom.co.in, A Srinivas Rao, a firecracker trader said, “Owing to prevalence of illegally imported Chinese firecrackers, rising raw material prices, dearth of labour, restrictions imposed by local administration, anti-cracker campaigns, the profit margin have gone down. And this year is crucial as the global pandemic has affected the people equally. And air pollution could make things worse for covid-19 situation”.
Expressing the similar sentiment, Rabindra Jena, a firecracker trader in Jatni said, public health comes first then anything else. So far as banning the fire crackers are concerned, it is a good and welcome step.
Meanwhile, the government sought cooperation from people to fight the global pandemic and save the lives of the vulnerable population. 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, warned the government.