Shimla, September 17, 2026: The Shimla district administration has directed officials to take strict action against the unauthorised sale, storage, transportation and distribution of firecrackers ahead of Diwali.
Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap appealed to traders, licensed firecracker sellers and the public to ensure that fireworks are sold, stored and transported only in accordance with the applicable laws, including the Explosives Act, 1884, Explosives Rules, 2008 and conditions prescribed under the relevant licences.
Licensed sellers told to follow safety norms
The administration has directed licensed sellers to ensure that their licences are valid and renewed and that firecrackers are sold and stored only at authorised premises and within the quantity and conditions specified in their licences.
Sellers have also been asked to ensure prescribed fire-safety and firefighting arrangements, electrical safety, emergency entry and exit facilities and other mandatory safety measures at their premises.
The administration said fireworks must not be stored, sold or displayed at unlicensed premises, residential buildings or temporary structures. Licence holders have also been directed to keep licences and other prescribed records available for inspection.
Violations of statutory provisions or licence conditions may lead to action under law, including seizure of unauthorised fireworks and suspension or cancellation of licences.
Regular inspections ordered
Kashyap has directed the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrates and police officials to conduct regular inspections of markets, licensed premises, storage locations and other sensitive areas to identify violations and take appropriate action.
The district administration has also appealed to residents to inform the authorities about unauthorised sale or storage of firecrackers so that timely action can be taken.
Fireworks only during permitted hours
Kashyap said the directions issued by the National Green Tribunal and other competent authorities regarding the use of firecrackers must be followed. In Himachal Pradesh, previous official directions have restricted the use of fireworks to specified periods and permitted only green crackers under the applicable orders.
He urged residents to celebrate Diwali safely and responsibly and comply with all applicable legal and environmental requirements.
The administration said violations of the directions would invite action as per law.
