Draw of lots: 96 get licence to sell firecrackers in city

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 16

A total of 96 persons were issued temporary licences to sell crackers in a draw of lots conducted outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office here today.

The UT Administration has also identified nine locations for sale of crackers. On October 13, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had ordered fixing a three-hour slot for bursting of crackers on Diwali and directed issuance of temporary licences up to 20 per cent of what were issued last year. In the wake of the order, the number of locations was reduced from 17.

The Administration had cancelled all licences issued to cracker dealers earlier. Last year, about 482 traders were given licence to sell crackers.

The draw of lots began at 5 pm. Over 600 traders had applied for licence. Members of the Cracker Shops Association and other traders took out slips during the draw.

The successful applicants were later briefed about safety norms to be followed. They were directed to keep 25 bags of sand, 200-litre water tank and a fire extinguisher near their stalls.

The licences will be valid for three days till Diwali.

Stalls to come up at

• Sabzi Mandi Ground, Sector 43
• Near Ramlila Ground, Sector 46
• Open space in Sector 33-C
• Adjoining temple in Sector 37-C
• Dasehra ground, Sector 24
• Sabzi mandi ground, Sector 29 
• Ram Darbar car bazaar site
• Open ground near Housing
• Board Chowk in Mani Majra
• Masjid ground, Sector 20