Bhubaneswar: Higher prices of firecrackers may discourage people from purchasing and bursting them during Diwali, potentially helping reduce air pollution, Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said on Wednesday.
Reacting to concerns over the rising prices of firecrackers, Patra said the price hike should not be a cause for worry, as people might naturally reduce their purchases if crackers became more expensive.
He said bursting large quantities of firecrackers contributes to increased air pollution and that higher prices could indirectly help curb pollution by discouraging their excessive use.
The minister said the government could not stop people from bursting firecrackers but appealed to them to use green crackers to minimise environmental damage.
The state government would closely monitor firecracker sales to ensure compliance with regulations, Patra said, adding that only licensed traders would be allowed to sell firecrackers.
He also said the Supply Department would examine complaints of traders charging excessively high prices.
If complaints of overpricing were received, the department would conduct an inquiry and take necessary steps to prevent traders from exploiting consumers, he added.
Patra reiterated that while people were free to celebrate Diwali with firecrackers, they should exercise restraint and opt for green crackers to minimise pollution.
