44 temporary licences assigned for sale of firecrackers in Mohali

A total of 44 temporary licences for the sale of firecrackers were issued after a draw at District Administrative Complex, Sector 76, today.

The district administration had received 1,260 applications, of which 1,180 were found valid. The draw allotted 44 temporary licences for the sale of firecrackers, including 18 (out of 1,042 applications) for Mohali and Banur, eight (out of 19 applications) for Kharar, Kurali and Nayagaon, six (out of 187 applications) for Dera Bassi while

Lalru and Zirakpur got 12 licenses (equal to the number of applications received; hence, no draw was required).

The entire process was videographed to ensure transparency and fairness.

As per the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the guidelines issued by the state government’s Department of Industries and Commerce, only 20 per cent of the licenses issued in 2016 have been allowed to be granted this year.

The administration has designated only 13 locations in the district for sale. No sale will be permitted outside these areas and no one will be allowed to sell or use firecrackers before or after the prescribed dates and timings. The HC has also restricted the issuance of permanent licenses for the sale of firecrackers and capped the number of temporary licenses.

Firecrackers may be burst only from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali (October 20) and from 4 am to 5 am and 9 pm to 10 pm on Gurpurab (November 5).

The sale of firecrackers will be allowed only on October 18, 19 and 20, and on November 5 (Gurpurab), between 10 am and 7.30 pm, strictly at the designated sites. Illegal storage or sale of firecrackers without a valid license will invite strict action.