Firecracker sales should be regulated from Dasehra: Residents
Residents of Kullu town have expressed their concern over the sale of firecrackers in shops located within the town.
Akash, a resident of Akhara Bazar, said firecrackers were available in some shops located in the congested market and a fire incident could result in a disaster, as most of the buildings were wooden and very close to each other. He said, “Children have been playing with firecrackers even before the Dasehra festival.”
Another resident, Ramesh, said the administration prohibits the sale of firecrackers in inhabited and vulnerable locations, but this order should be implemented in letter and spirit at least 20 days before Diwali. He said, “There was a need for the strict monitoring of the sale of firecrackers during the Diwali season on account of the increased risk of fire incidents. The defaulters should be dealt with strictly.”
The administration generally earmarks Rath ground in Dhalpur and Zarait ground in Akhara for the sale of firecrackers. However, some shops in the town area, also engage in the sale of firecrackers along with the other goods. A resident Manoj said stringent action should be taken against violators as this willful negligence could be catastrophic. He alleged, “The orders related to firecrackers are passed just as a mere formality, as no concrete steps are taken to prohibit the sale of firecrackers in crowded markets, leave aside ensuring compliance with noise pollution and air quality standards. The fireworks site generally lacks safety equipment, including fire extinguishers and sand buckets.” He further alleged that some vendors do not hesitate even from selling substandard products, endangering the safety of consumers.”
A resident of Dhalpur Vikram said a licence under Explosive Rules should be mandated for the sale of fireworks. He said, “The fireworks should be stored in designated compartments in isolated places to minimise the risk of fire incidents. Adequate monitoring teams should be mobilised to check the sale of banned compounds.” He added that those selling firecrackers to minors without adult supervision should also be dealt with stringently.
