Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, October 15, 2026:- A committee constituted to issue 43 temporary licences to applicants seeking permission to sell firecrackers in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district conducted a draw today at the District Administrative Complex, Sector 76. The draw was held under complete videography in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Geetika Singh, SDM Damandeep Kaur, Assistant Commissioner (General) Dr. Ankita Kansal, other officers and employees, and members of the public. Adopting a transparent and impartial approach, the draw process was completed in the presence of the general public. It is pertinent to mention that, in accordance with the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and instructions issued from time to time by the Punjab Government's Department of Industries and Commerce, only 20 per cent of the licences issued in 2016 may be issued.
After the draw, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Komal Mittal said the administration had received a total of 2,118 applications for 43 temporary licences across the district, of which 2,097 were found valid. She said 1,910 applications had been received for 18 licences for firecracker sales in Mohali and Banur, while 31 applications had been received for seven licences in Kharar and Kurali. No draw was held for Nayagaon because no applications were received. Dera Bassi received 162 applications for six licences. In addition, 15 applications were received for 12 licences for firecracker sales in Lalru and Zirakpur. Since eight applications were received for the eight licences allocated to Zirakpur, no draw was held there, and licences will be issued to applicants according to the applications received.
Reiterating the administration's commitment to regulating firecracker sales in the district, Komal Mittal said that only 15 locations had been designated for firecracker sales. Sales would not be permitted at any location other than these designated sites. The District Magistrate clarified that no one would be allowed to burst firecrackers before or after the prescribed dates and timings, or sell firecrackers without a licence. It is noteworthy that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has prohibited the issuance of permanent licences to firecracker traders without the court's approval. The number of temporary licences has also been restricted.
The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate said firecrackers would be permitted only within the prescribed sound limits on November 8, Diwali, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on November 24, Gurpurab, from 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. and from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. No resident would be allowed to burst firecrackers before or after these dates and timings, and everyone must comply with the directions of the Hon'ble Court.
No person shall store firecrackers illegally or sell them without a licence. Details of the designated firecracker sale locations, key conditions and further information are available on the district administration's website: www.sasnagar.nic.in.
