12 firecrackers markets set up in city

Prayagraj: As many as 300 temporary firecracker shops have been set up at 12 open markets (identified spots) in the city. These open markets include Anglo Bengali Inter College, KN Katju Inter College (Kydganj), Mahila Polytechnic (Civil Lines), NIRPT Ground (Teliyarganj), Colonelganj Inter College (Tagoretown), Lukearganj Durga Puja Ground, Balu Mandi Ground (Teliyarganj), Rajrupur Ground (Kalindipuram), DAV Inter College (Meerapur), Radharaman Inter College (Daraganj), Mundera Mandi (Dhoomanganj), and Cantonment Board Sports Ground (Cant).

Chief Fire Officer (Prayagraj) RK Pandey told TOI, "All the vendors and traders must follow a 15-point fire safety guideline or their temporary licence would be cancelled. All temporary shops will be set up under a tin-shed or asbestos sheet (not using tents or cloth) and maintain a distance of at least three metres between two shops. Besides, the temporary firecracker shops should be at least 50 metres away from residential colonies, educational institutes, cinema halls, auditoriums, hospitals, markets, shops, factories, railway lines, highways, and religious places. No shop is allowed under high-tension wire lines. Importantly, two firecracker shops are not allowed to be set up opposite each other, and only green crackers are allowed for sale. The shopkeepers are also advised not to use gas or oil lamps, and there should be no loose wire connections at all. No one will be allowed to exhibit or light firecrackers within at least 50 metres of the shops. All firecracker-selling shops are also placed under no-smoking zones. Moreover, parking of vehicles is also restricted at least 15 metres away from the shops. Each shopkeeper must have the availability of around 200 litres of water in a drum along with buckets at the shop. Besides, each shop should have an adequate stock of firefighting equipment, including two fire extinguishers, water, and two sacks full of dry sand."

Pandey made it clear that no minor or person with a history of mental illness is allowed to sell crackers or sit at the shop. Besides, selling firecrackers anywhere apart from these designated areas will invite stringent police action, including a possible penalty, said the CFO. "Station officers of all police stations have been asked to keep an eye on those involved in the illegal trade of firecrackers in the city," he added.