Hyderabad: DCP North Zone Rashmi Perumal on Friday directed all temporary firecracker shop licensees to follow fire safety norms under the Explosives Act, 1884 and Explosives Rules, 2008, ahead of the Deepawali festival.
During a meeting with traders and licence applicants, she instructed them to submit complete applications. Required documents include a self-declaration, fire department NOC, GHMC land permission, landowner consent, previous year’s licence (if available), and a detailed site plan. She stated clearly that incomplete or late applications would be rejected.
Perumal emphasized that traders must set up shops only in approved open areas. These shops must maintain safe distances from residential, commercial, and sensitive locations. She directed traders to construct sheds using non-inflammable materials such as asbestos or GI sheets. Each shed must maintain a minimum three-metre gap, and no two rows can face each other. Additionally, each cluster should include no more than fifty shops.
She banned open flames and naked lights at the stalls. Only fixed electrical lighting with master switches will be allowed. Furthermore, she prohibited fireworks display or lighting within 50 metres of any shed.
Traders must strictly follow the licensed quantity limit for storing fireworks. Each shop should maintain dry sand, fire extinguishers, and ensure the presence of at least one fire tender nearby. She instructed traders to ban smoking, cooking, and ignition sources at all times. Moreover, they must deploy sufficient staff to manage crowds and regulate parking.
The DCP said that North Zone police and Fire Services teams will carry out regular inspections. If they find violations, they will cancel licences and initiate legal action.
She asked traders to educate buyers on safety, especially when handling newly introduced firecrackers. She also advised shopkeepers to clearly separate fireworks meant for children and adults.
Finally, Perumal urged both traders and the public to cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe and lawful Deepawali celebration.