3-day window to apply for firecracker licence opens

A three-day window for submitting applications to procure temporary licences for firecrackers opened today. The facility will be available till 5 pm on October 11.

As per the instructions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, temporary licences are to be issued for the sale of firecrackers during the festivals of Diwali and Gurpurb. Interested persons can submit their applications in this regard at the service centre in the office of the Deputy Commissioner. The prescribed pro formas are available at the Punjab government website www.punjab.gov.in also and at Seva Kendra in the District Administrative Complex.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Jyoti Bala said temporary licences for the sale of firecrackers would be issued in the name of those whose applications are selected through a draw of lots. The draw will be held in the presence of the District Magistrate on October 14 at 5 pm in the meeting hall of the District Administrative Complex.

Traders have demanded that those authorised to store the fire-crackers under the Explosives Act and who comply with the norms should be allowed to compete in the bid. No other person except licence holders should be allowed to compete in the bidding process, they said.

There are over 30 persons who own licences issued under the Explosives Act or by the Union Government under the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Act for storage. Many of them are allowed to store and possess firecrackers, not more than 1,500 kg in capacity and three are allowed to manufacture only Phuljhadi (sparklers) and anar (flower pot) and store less than two lakh kg of crackers.

Draw to be held on October 14

Additional Deputy Commissioner Jyoti Bala said temporary licences for the sale of firecrackers would be issued in the name of those whose applications are selected through a draw of lots. The draw will be held in the presence of the District Magistrate on October 14 at 5 pm in the meeting hall of the District Administrative Complex.