Admn fails to check illegal sale of firecrackers

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, October 18

The illegal sale of firecrackers is going on unabated in various areas in the city. One can easily find stocks of firecrackers in shops in the city.

Many shopkeepers have put up stalls and are selling these firecrackers illegally outside their shops, putting the lives of people in danger. It seems the administration has no check on this practice.

While the administration has turned a blind eye towards these sellers, the small-time businessmen continue to risk the lives of many residents, including children, for a small profit by selling firecrackers in their houses and small shops in serpentine lanes of the city.

Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Diprava Lakra has designated three sites for the sale of firecrackers in the city. The sale of fire crackers is allowed at the Multi-Purpose Sports Stadium, Government Rajindra College and Des Raj School.

As per the rules, firecrackers are to be sold at the designated places only, which are open spaces. This is done to ensure that in the event of an accidental fire, loss to life and property is minimised.

A shopkeeper selling firecrackers in the open said he was not the only one selling firecrackers in his shop. He said the business remained low throughout the year. So, during the festive season, they hope to earn something for their family, he said. He added he was selling a limited stock of firecrackers.

The absence of fire extinguishing equipment is also evident and most of these shops are located in thickly populated residential and commercial areas. Even they have not been granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) by the Fire Department.

Earlier, the district administration issued 162 licences to the firecracker sellers. After the directions of the high court, all licences were cancelled and only 34 persons were issued licences through draw. As the firecracker dealers had purchased the material in advance they had left with no other option but to sell firecrackers illegally. They said this would also bring down their losses.

Officials of the administration claim that they are keeping a check on the shopkeepers selling firecrackers in the city without licence or in the open despite ban.