Pimpri, November 1, 2023: With Diwali, the festival of lights, just around the corner, preparations for one of its most cherished traditions, the sale of firecrackers, are already underway. Traditionally, numerous firecracker stalls pop up without proper permissions throughout the city. However, this year, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation is taking a strict approach to ensure safety during the festive season. They have issued an appeal, requesting all firecracker vendors to establish their stalls only after obtaining the necessary permissions from the Municipal Corporation. As of October 31, 60 individuals from various parts of the city have successfully acquired permission to set up firecracker stalls.
As the city transitions from the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri to the grand celebration of Diwali, the enthusiasm among citizens is palpable. Diwali, set to begin on November 9, is synonymous with the presence of firecracker stalls in various neighborhoods. However, it’s crucial to note that these stalls should operate only after receiving permissions, which are granted by the municipal fire department and the eight zonal offices, subject to a nominal fee. Notably, permissions are not granted for stalls in open spaces.
Ensuring safety during the sale of firecrackers is a top priority. Stall operators are advised to keep sand readily available near the stalls to prevent potential fire incidents. Smoking, including the use of bidis and cigarettes, should be strictly prohibited within the firecracker stall areas. Inflammable items must not be stored within the stall premises, and children should be kept at a safe distance from the firecracker stalls.
The municipal fire department and all eight zonal offices are currently in the process of issuing permits for firecracker stalls. As of the close of business on Tuesday, 60 applicants have received the necessary approvals after paying a permission fee of Rs. 1,000. The fire department emphasizes the importance of adhering to these regulations and obtaining proper permissions from the municipal corporation for all professionals intending to establish firecracker stalls. Anil Dhimble, Officer-in-Charge of the Fire Brigade, stressed the significance of these safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable Diwali celebration.
