Una, October 21:- To ensure public safety and protect the environment during Diwali, the district administration has issued guidelines governing the sale, storage and use of firecrackers. District Magistrate Jatin Lal has issued an order clarifying that only green firecrackers will be permitted to be stored, sold and used in Una district during Diwali. Anyone wishing to set up a shop at a designated location must obtain a licence from the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and comply with the prescribed safety standards.
SDMs to Designate Sale Locations
The District Magistrate has directed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to notify designated locations for the sale of green firecrackers in their respective areas. The sale locations must comply with relevant government notifications, standard operating procedures and noise pollution control regulations. The concerned SDMs must also ensure compliance with prescribed ambient air quality standards in their respective jurisdictions.
Sale Without a Licence Prohibited
According to the order, no person will be permitted to store or sell green firecrackers without obtaining a licence from the concerned SDM. Applications for temporary licences can also be submitted through the Ease of Doing Business services on the e-District portal.
Safety Standards Prescribed for Shops
Green firecrackers must be stored in enclosed and secure sheds made of non-combustible materials to prevent access by unauthorised persons. Sheds used for sale and storage must be at least three metres apart and at least 50 metres away from any protected site. The sheds must not face each other.
Oil- or gas-burning lamps and open flames are prohibited inside the sheds or within their prescribed safety distances. Electric lights must be permanently installed on walls or ceilings and must not be suspended using flexible wires. Switches in each shop must be securely fixed to the walls, and a master switch must be provided for each row of sheds.
A maximum of 50 shops will be permitted in one group. Every shop or stall must have an adequate supply of water to deal with any fire emergency.
Unobstructed Road at Least Six Metres Wide Required
Firecracker shops must be located alongside an unobstructed motorable road at least six metres wide. Obstructions such as electricity poles, road shoulders, covered drains, pillar-like structures and raised footpaths will not be counted when calculating the road width. Shop entrances and exits must face the road to ensure that fire engines can reach the site without difficulty. Before notifying a location for sales, a suitable site must be selected in consultation with the local fire officer.
Instructions for Safe Storage of Firecrackers
Green firecrackers must not be displayed in shop windows. They must be kept in spark-proof containers or in their original outer packaging. The original packaging must be effectively sealed and in good condition. Containers or packages filled with firecrackers must be kept away from customer movement inside the shop and separated from flammable or combustible materials. Once a package is opened for sale, the firecrackers must immediately be placed in a clean, dust-free and spark-proof container.
Firecrackers Permitted Only Between 8 PM and 10 PM
The District Magistrate has directed officials to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court's judgment dated October 23, 2018, and relevant orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). According to the order, firecrackers may be used only between 8 PM and 10 PM during festivals such as Diwali and Gurpurab. On Christmas and New Year's Eve, firecrackers will be permitted from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM.
The concerned SDMs, Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) must ensure that firecrackers are used only at designated locations and during the prescribed hours, and that prohibited firecrackers are not sold. The order states that the SHO of the concerned police station will be held personally accountable if any violation is found. Proceedings for contempt of court may also be initiated in connection with such violations.
Awareness Campaign on Harmful Effects of Firecrackers
Jatin Lal has directed government departments, schools and colleges to conduct extensive awareness campaigns to educate people about the harmful effects of firecrackers. The concerned authorities must ensure strict compliance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court and the NGT.
