Interview Times 
As Diwali, the festival of lights, approaches, the Commissionerate Police has imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers. Only licence holders are allowed to sell firecrackers in Cuttack, according to DCP Pinak Mishra.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the sale of firecrackers was prohibited last year. Traders are optimistic about the coming year. They are to set up temporary shops in designated locations.
After submitting the necessary paperwork, the traders will be granted permission to sell firecrackers. Fireworks can only be sold by licenced retailers. Violators will face harsh penalties, according to the DCP.
