Shimla, October 8, 2024:
Ajit Bhardwaj, the Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order), announced that strict guidelines regarding the sale of fireworks will be enforced during Diwali in the Shimla district. The sale of secretly imported fireworks, unauthorized manufacturing, and illegal sales will be prohibited for safety reasons.
Bhardwaj highlighted that in previous years, many accidents have occurred during the illegal manufacture of fireworks, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Reports of illegal imports containing sensitive chemicals not permitted under Indian law have also been concerning.
Vendors must adhere strictly to the licensing conditions in Forms LE-3 and LE-5. Apart from colored/star matches and roll/dot caps, no chlorate-containing fireworks should be stored in licensed shops. Fireworks containing compounds such as lithium, antimony, mercury, arsenic, lead, and strontium chromate must not be stored. Additionally, fireworks should not be sold to anyone under 18 years of age.
Emergency exits in licensed fireworks shops must remain unobstructed, and adequate space should be available to prevent overcrowding inside the shop. Fireworks must not be displayed outdoors, and smoking or open flames are strictly prohibited in these areas.
Vendors and workers should receive proper training regarding the hazardous nature of fireworks and safe handling of packages. Adequate fire extinguishers and buckets of sand must always be available, and all personnel should be trained in their use.
Furthermore, fireworks should be stored in non-flammable sheds that are at least three meters apart from each other, and a minimum distance of 50 meters from any other structures is necessary. These sheds must not face each other, and the use of any flammable materials inside is forbidden. Each shop should have its electrical switch connected to a main switch for emergency disconnections.
No performances or displays are permitted within 50 meters of the storage sheds, and a maximum of 50 shops is allowed at one location.
These guidelines aim to ensure public safety during the Diwali celebrations. Violation of these directives will lead to action under the Explosives Rules, 2008, Regulations 127 and 128.