Puri implements firecracker ban during Shital Sashti festivities

Bhubaneswar,(Orissa Today), June 12: Firecrackers have been banned in Puri during the Shital Sashti celebrations, and Section 144 has been imposed until June 14, according to reports on Wednesday.
Section 144 has been enforced in Puri’s Jambeshwar Temple, Loknath Dev Temple, Markandeshwar Temple, Kapallochan Temple, Neelhakeshwar Mahadev Temple, Shankareshwar Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Banambar Temple, and Birharekrishnapur. The restrictions will be in place from 6 pm today until 2 pm on June 14.
The Special Relief Commissioner’s office issued a press release stating that the death toll from the firecracker explosion in Puri has risen to 16, prompting the ban on firecrackers.
A second inquiry meeting, chaired by the Special Relief Commissioner, took place in the Circuit House conference room. The previous meeting on June 5 was incomplete. The police administration and two members of the victims’ families attended today’s meeting.
The Special Relief Commissioner stated, “As per the information from the Health and Family Welfare Department, yet another person has died due to the unfortunate fire tragedy in Puri.” The press release added, “This brings the total death toll to 16. The Collector of Puri has initiated steps to provide Rs. 4.00 lakh each as ex-gratia assistance to the next of kin of the deceased persons.”