Markets flooded with illegal cracker vends
In blatant disregard for the norms, vendors in the industrial hub have set up cracker vends in various markets across the city. According to the police administration orders, crackers can only be sold at designated areas. However, ahead of Diwali, local shopkeepers without licences have put up makeshift stalls on roads or set up vends in their shops.
Designated cracker sale areas include Grain Market near Jalandhar Bypass, Cremation Ground road in Model Town Extension, Dugri Phase 2, GLADA ground on Chandigarh Road, Hambran road in Haibowal and Lodhi Club road.
A survey in the city revealed that illegal cracker shops have been set up in Shimlapuri, Haibowal, Dugri, Gill Road, Jassian road, Chandar Nagar, Chandigarh road, Hambran Road, Field Ganj, Daresi, Civil Lines, Jassian Road, Ladhowal, Hargobind Nagar, Dr Gujjarmal road, CMC road, Salem Tabri, Upkar Nagar, etc. These vends are located in densely populated residential areas or markets, in violation of the safety and fire norms. If an untoward incident occurs, it could result in significant loss of property and human life. Despite being aware of the issue, the police and district administration are not taking action to curb the violations. A police official said the police were reluctant to act against small sellers or vendors as they only set up vends for a few days ahead of Diwali, and it is part of their business.
It is learnt that traders had not only opened shops but also stored crackers illegally in residential areas.
