Shimla
Shopkeepers in Shimla district will not be allowed to sell firecrackers without a license for Diwali. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap issued instructions to all SDMs via video conferencing on Saturday.
He stated in the meeting that SDMs will conduct surprise inspections of firecracker sales in markets. They will also inspect the stores where firecrackers are stored. All SDMs will also educate shopkeepers in their jurisdictions about the need to sell firecrackers in accordance with regulations. He added that local administrations will identify sensitive and highly sensitive areas. Due to the festive season, law and order reports will be required daily.
He said that the possibility of adulteration in milk, cheese, and sweets increases most during the festive season. Therefore, the concerned departments should conduct periodic inspections. Furthermore, cases of food poisoning also increase. The Chief Medical Officer will ensure the availability of medicines in all Shimla district hospitals. No one should die from food poisoning.
He said that some individuals/shops across the district are attempting to sell firecrackers during the upcoming Diwali festival without obtaining the necessary licenses under the Explosives Act, 1884 and the Explosives Rules, 2008. There are only two license holders in the district.
He reiterated for the information of the general public and all shopkeepers/traders that the sale, storage, or distribution of firecrackers without a valid license is strictly prohibited in the entire Shimla district. He said that surprise inspections will be conducted in such cases and strict action will be taken as per law for violation of these provisions, which may include immediate confiscation of unauthorized stock, cancellation of trade license, or filing of criminal cases against violators.
He directed all licensed vendors to comply with all conditions of their licenses, otherwise similar action will be taken against them. He urged the general public to purchase fireworks only from authorized licensed vendors at designated locations. The cooperation of all citizens is essential to ensure a safe, peaceful, and environmentally responsible Diwali celebration in 2025.
The district administration will take strict and exemplary action against anyone found guilty of unauthorized sale or storage of firecrackers. Those involved in unauthorized sales will be held fully responsible for any untoward incident.
ADC Divyanshu Singhal, Additional Superintendent of Police Ratna Negi and all SDMs were present in the meeting.
*Quality of sweets will be checked*
In the meeting, the administration has also been instructed to conduct surprise inspections regarding the sale of sweets during the festive season. The team of the Food Supply Department will inspect the wholesale and retail sweet shops. The quality of the ingredients used in the sweets will be checked as per the standards. If any food item is found to be of substandard quality, strict action will be taken against those violating the rules. The department will take regular sampling from the sweet shops. It is mandatory to have “Best Before Date”, correct labelling and correct packaging on the sweet boxes.
Storing cylinders weighing more than 100 kg is illegal.
Guidelines were issued at the meeting that strict action will be taken if cylinders weighing more than 100 kilograms are stored in shops. All SDMs should also conduct surprise inspections of illegal cylinder storage in markets.
Strict action against illegal cylinder supply
Cylinders should be supplied to every area only through the designated gas agency. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said that during the festive season, there is a possibility of illegal cylinder supply. Therefore, if supplies are being made through any other gas agency, such vehicles should be immediately seized.
*Instructions given to Block Development Officers*
The Deputy Commissioner has instructed all Block Development Officers of the district to immediately share any orders and notifications issued by the administration during the festive season in WhatsApp groups up to the Panchayat level so that each order can be effectively implemented.
