17 licences to be issued to sell crackers in Kapurthala

In the flood-ravaged Kapurthala, the district administration today sought applications from those willing to seek licences for sale of crackers ahead of Diwali this year. While applications can be submitted until October 6, the draw will take place on October 8. Farmers across flood-hit villages said the villages would be in no position to celebrate Diwali and Bandhi Chhor Diwas this year.

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal said 17 licences for temporary storage and sale of firecrackers will be issued through draw of lots at the places specified by the authority in Kapurthala this year. Under this, six temporary licences will be issued for sub-divisions Kapurthala and Phagwara, 2 each for Sultanpur Lodhi and Bholath and one for Dhilwan.

While last year, the cracker sale sites were designated at PUDA markets in Sultanpur Lodhi and Kapurthala among other spots, this year the sites are likely to be shifted. While over a 100 villages were impacted by the floods in Kapurthala, the effects of the flood still persist in many villages where several feet of sand cover fields and others where waters are yet to recede.

Paramjit Singh, from Baupur village said, "Not just in the flood-hit belt, but across the city areas too, Diwali festivities are going to be affected this year. Water still persists at some villages and a thick layer of sand has covered fields. All crops are lost. It is going to be a sordid Diwali this year."

Meanwhile, regarding licences, the DC said those who wish to get a temporary licence can submit their applications in the district's Sewa Kendras till 4 pm on October 6.

The administration said for applicants, it will be mandatory to attach an identity card and a self-declaration form along with the application. He said the application forms are available on the government's website www.punjab.gov.in and in Sewa Kendras, which can be obtained from the Sewa Kendras by paying a fee of Rs. 100.

The DC said temporary licences will be drawn from the applications received by the specified date/time. The draw in this regard will be held on October 8 at 3 pm in the meeting hall of the Deputy Commissioner's office, Kapurthala.