Odisha Government has banned the sale and use of firecrackers in the state from the 10th to the 30th of this month.<br />'' <br />''The decision has been taken in view of the potentially harmful consequences of burning crackers amidst covid-19 situation and the approaching winter.<br />'' <br />''Firecrackers release copious amount of toxic gases like nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide which negatively impacts the respiratory health, particularly of the vulnerable groups like the elderly, the children and those with comorbidities.<br />'' <br />''The practice may also give an additional push to the concentration of suspended particulate matter in the air, particularly during the upcoming winter, thereby impacting the respiratory health again. <br />'' <br />''Any such deterioration of the air quality may have a corresponding rious impact on human health creating conducive conditions for viral resurgence.<br />'' <br />''The government hopes that the prohibition will add to its fight against the virus, with people celebrating a more eco-friendly Diwali this year by saying no to firecrackers. <br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Meanwhile, the covid-19 active caseload in the state has further crashed down below fourteen thousand, as of now.</span><br />