Una, October 10 – District Magistrate Jatin Lal has issued special orders regarding the sale and use of firecrackers in view of Diwali and other festivals. According to these orders, only green firecrackers will be allowed for sale, storage, and use in Una district. These instructions have been issued in compliance with the orders of the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court.
**License holders will be allowed to sell firecrackers.
All firecracker vendors must obtain a temporary license from the respective SDM, which can also be obtained online through the e-district portal. The sale of firecrackers without a license will be strictly prohibited. The Deputy Commissioner stated that each SDM will designate locations for the sale of green firecrackers in their respective areas, while the respective police officers will ensure that only green firecrackers are sold.
**Fireworks Use Timings Fixed
As per the Deputy Commissioner's order, firecracker use will be limited to 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali and other festivals, while on Christmas and New Year's Eve, firecrackers can be used from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am. Police have been directed to ensure that firecrackers are not used outside these time limits and banned firecrackers are not sold. In case of any violation, the respective station in-charge will be held responsible.
**Guidelines for the Safety and Storage of Green Fireworks
The Deputy Commissioner has also issued specific guidelines for the safety and storage of green firecrackers. The instructions state that green firecrackers should be stored in sheds made of non-flammable material. Sheds should be at least 3 meters apart and should not be placed in front of each other. Display of firecrackers will be prohibited within a 50-meter radius of the shed.
No oil or gas lamps will be used in the shed, and electrical switches must be located adjacent to the walls. A cluster should not contain more than fifty shops. Shops should be located on a clear, motorable road at least 6 meters wide, with easy access for firefighting.
The shop/stall must have sufficient water, fire extinguishers, and buckets filled with sand to deal with any fire incident. It is essential to consult the local fire officer before selecting a sales area. Green firecrackers cannot be displayed in shop windows and must be stored in spark-proof containers or their original sealed packaging.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that no person will be allowed to stock and sell green firecrackers without a license from the SDM. Temporary licenses can also be obtained through the e-district portal under the Ease of Doing Business Act.
In addition, the Deputy Commissioner has directed all sub-divisional officers and police officers to ensure strict compliance with the Supreme Court orders. This step has been taken to ensure public safety and environmental protection during the festivals.