Shimla bans illegal manufacture, sale of crackers
To ensure people’s security and prevent any unpleasant incidents during the Diwali celebrations, the Shimla district administration here today imposed a ban on the unauthorised manufacture and unlawful sale of firecrackers.
Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Law and Order Ajit Bhardwaj said in previous years, many accidents occurred due to the illegal manufacture of firecrackers, resulting in injuries and fatalities. “Reports of illicit imports containing sensitive chemicals not permitted under the Indian law have also emerged,” he said.
He said the licensed fireworks vendors must strictly adhere to the conditions set forth in forms LE-3 and LE-5. Vendors were prohibited from storing chlorate-containing fireworks, except for coloured/ star matches and roll/dot caps in licensed stores.
“The storage of fireworks containing compounds such as lithium, antimony, mercury, arsenic, lead, and strontium chromate is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, the sale of fireworks to individuals under the age of 18 is prohibited,” he said.
Emergency exits in the licensed fireworks stores must remain completely unobstructed and crowding inside the stores was not allowed to ensure adequate space for storing fireworks.
Additionally, the storage of fireworks must take place in sheds made from non-flammable materials, with a minimum distance of 3m between each shed and 50m from other structures for safe operation. Sheds should not face each other, and no flammable materials should be present inside.
