Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has tightened security measures and stepped up surveillance on firecracker sales in Bhubaneswar ahead of Diwali, warning of strict legal action against those involved in illegal sales and unauthorised storage of firecrackers.
Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saravana Vivek M on Monday said that 524 applications had been received for firecracker sale licences in the city, of which 150 had been approved. Verification of the remaining applications is underway at various stages.
“The licences are issued by the DCP office after verification by the Fire Services Department and the Revenue Department, followed by police verification. So far, 150 licences have been granted, while the remaining applications are undergoing verification,” he said while speaking to the media.
The police have also issued safety guidelines for licensed firecracker vendors. They have been instructed to set up fireproof tents and keep fire extinguishers at their stalls to prevent accidents.
According to the guidelines, firecracker sales will be permitted between 8 am and 9 pm. However, on Diwali, vendors will be allowed to sell firecrackers only until 4 pm. Only green firecrackers will be permitted for sale, the DCP said.
The Commissionerate Police will conduct raids against illegal firecracker sales and unauthorised storage. Criminal cases will also be registered against those found violating the regulations.
Referring to the Supreme Court guidelines, Vivek said that bursting of sound-emitting firecrackers would be permitted only until 10 pm. The restriction would be strictly enforced, and people have been urged to celebrate Diwali responsibly.
The police have identified designated locations for firecracker sales in Bhubaneswar, including Baramunda Ground, Balianta, Balipatana, Badagada and Chandrasekharpur Ground, among other places. Around 58 shops have been allotted space at Baramunda Ground.
The stalls have been set up at a safe distance of around 50 metres from the road as a precautionary measure, he said.
The DCP also appealed to the public to inform the police about illegal firecracker sales or violations of safety regulations, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.
“We urge everyone to purchase only green firecrackers and follow safety precautions while bursting them. People should avoid reckless use of firecrackers. On behalf of the Commissionerate Police, I wish everyone a happy Diwali,” he added.
