Argus News | Odisha News Today

Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has announced strict guidelines for bursting firecrackers across the state ahead Of Diwali. As per the new restrictions, people will be allowed to burst crackers for just two hours, on Diwali. According to the guidelines issued by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, firecrackers can be burst only between 7 PM and 9 PM. The prescribed noise level must not exceed 125 decibels. The board has also prohibited bursting crackers near hospitals, educational institutions, courts, religious places, parks and gardens to protect public health and maintain peaceful surroundings. Sale and Use of Non-Green Crackers Restricted In a major step towards pollution control, restrictions have been imposed on the production and sale of firecrackers other than approved green crackers. The board has advised consumers to check the CSIR-NEERI green logo and QR code on the packaging before purchasing green crackers. People have also been u

Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: Cyclone Murasu has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, raising concerns along the Andhra Pradesh coast. Moving northwestwards at a speed of 20 kmph, the cyclone is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coastline between midnight on November 2 and the early hours of November 3. The cyclonic system has intensified significantly over the past six hours, developing into a severe cyclonic storm. According to the latest weather update, Cyclone Murasu has been moving in a northwesterly direction at approximately 20 kilometres per hour. The storm's increasing intensity and movement towards the Indian coastline have brought several coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh into focus. The severe cyclonic storm is currently located at the following distances from major cities: Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 260 km east-northeast. Nellore, Andhra Pradesh – 290 km east-southeast. Kavali, Andhra Pradesh – 310 km eas