Police issue guidelines for temporary fireworks licence

1. Police issue guidelines for temporary fireworks licence With Diwali round the corner, the Delhi Police has issued guidelines for obtaining temporary fireworks licence - which can be availed from the Delhi Police licensing website and the offices of jurisdictional District Deputy Commissioners. For more information, visit: https://www.dailypioneer.com/ Directions have also been issued to all police districts to ensure strict compliance with the order passed by the Supreme Court, in which only sale of green crackers, have been permitted. The Delhi Police are also making efforts to enforce the 8 pm to 10 pm time slot allotted for bursting crackers. However, it remains a Herculean task as implementing the time deadline would not be that easy, a police officer said. “We are still scrutinising the list of applicants who will be able to obtain temporary fireworks license. The list will be out later next week,” said a senior official from East Delhi District, adding that only 30 to 35 licenses will probably be distributed in the district. According to the issued guidelines, only Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) certified reduced emission firecrackers (improved crackers and green crackers) can be stored and sold up to a maximum of 600 kg by each licensee. There are several conditions for shops and temporary sheds to be able to obtain license, including the location of the shop. The shop should be on a commercial street or centre, located at a minimum of six meters wide road to make it accessible for firefighters and more according to the Explosives Act 1884, The Explosives Act 1908 and The Explosives Rules 2008. Only crackers with the permitted decibel level will be allowed to be sold according to the guidelines and bursting of fireworks is not allowed in silence zones, at least 100 metres away from hospitals, nursing homes, primary and district health-care centres, educational institutions, courts, religious places and more.

2. To enforce the 8pm-10 pm timeslot for bursting crackers on Diwali, the official revealed that all Station House Officers (SHOs) and beat officers have been instructed to strictly monitor their areas. “We are promoting Community fire cracking as far as possible. We have also informed the Resident Welfare Association (RWAs) about the guidelines,” senior police official said, optimistic that the public’s conscience will make an impact this Diwali. However, it has been reported that several citizens in the Capital have admitted to having bought firecrackers in bulk weeks before the Supreme Court ban. The Pioneer spoke to the senior police officers manning the districts regarding the implementation of the apex court’s order vis-à-vis crackers. They said police teams will be on patrol to see that people adhere to the norms. “If need by central para-military forces will be deployed to assist the local police,” an officer said.