Diwali: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Oct 28: The Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pinak Mishra announced on Monday that permission has been granted to open temporary markets for firecracker sales at 25 locations across the city. Out of 465 applicants, 200 have been issued licenses to sell firecrackers, with the remaining applicants eligible for licensing provided they comply with the established guidelines.
In accordance with Supreme Court regulations, only green crackers are permitted for sale and use during Diwali. The DCP outlined specific rules for sellers, including a restriction on stocking more than 300 kg of firecrackers at any one shop. Each cluster of shops will consist of around 50 vendors, with a minimum 3-metre gap required between shops. Furthermore, each shop must maintain a 50-metre clear space in front for emergency evacuations and should be constructed with tin while being equipped with fire extinguishers, wet sacks, and sand-filled drums.
A special team from the Commissionerate police will monitor these shops to ensure compliance. Shopkeepers are required to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Fire Service Department and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation. Violations of these rules will result in legal action, Mishra confirmed.
