Pune: 60 Firecracker Stalls Approved in Pimpri Chinchwad as Authorities Tighten Safety Measures for Diwali

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 24th October 2024: The Fire Brigade and all eight Ward Offices of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) are issuing permits to set up firecracker stalls ahead of the upcoming Diwali festival. So far, 60 businesses have received permission.

The Fire Brigade has warned that those who set up stalls without proper authorization will face strict action. PCMC urges vendors to obtain the necessary approvals before setting up stalls, as enforcement will be stringent this year. Meanwhile, Pimpri Chinchwad Police have already registered a case against a firecracker seller operating without a permit.

As Diwali approaches, firecracker vendors across the city are making preparations. Many stalls are often set up each year without the required permissions, but this year, PCMC has implemented a strict policy. Permits are granted by the municipal Fire Brigade and ward offices, with a fee of Rs 2,000. A no-objection certificate (NOC) is issued by the Fire Brigade for stalls located in constructed or shuttered blocks, but permission is not granted for stalls in open spaces.

In a recent incident in Mamurdi, under the jurisdiction of the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC), Dehu Road Police Station registered a case against Mahesh Prem Paraks Agarwal for selling firecrackers without a permit. As a result, firecrackers worth Rs 79,166 were seized. Both the Pimpri Chinchwad Police and the Municipal Corporation are actively working to ensure safety and compliance before the Diwali festivities.

Manoj Lonkar, PCMC Deputy Commissioner in charge of the Fire Brigade stated, “The Fire Brigade has granted permission to 60 firecracker vendors, charging a fee of Rs 2,000. Sellers must ensure they set up stalls only after obtaining the proper permissions, or they will face action.”