Bhubaneswar: As many as 25 places have been identified to erect temporary firecracker stalls in the state capital, said Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pinak Mishra on Monday.
According to sources, with a few days left for the festival of lights, the Commissionerate Police issued a set of guidelines for traders selling firecrackers.
Mishra, talking about guidelines set for firecracker vendors, said, “We have received as many as 465 applications. Out of these, more than 200 applicants have been granted permission. However, no stall will be allowed to store more than 300 kilograms of firecrackers. Additionally, each stall must maintain a minimum distance of five feet from one another. Besides, 25 places have been identified in the city for selling firecrackers. Those who got licenses can open their stalls till October 31. Action will be taken against those who will be selling crackers illegally without having police permission”
He further said, “Recently, police conducted raids and seized a huge cache of explosive materials including 150 kg of gunpowder, and 50 kg of iron dust used in firecracker manufacturing from an area coming under the Balipatana police station area. Police registered two separate cases and arrested two persons in connection with the case.”
“Locally, villagers procure ingredients for manufacturing firecrackers in precarious conditions. We have asked them to refrain from such activities because we can’t rule out the chances of mishaps in these areas. A special team comprising of civilian authorities, municipal authorities, police officials, fire service personnel and authorities from the pollution control board has been formed to keep a vigil on the illegal sale of firecrackers.”
