Considering the fire safety norms, the district administration recently issued a directive stating ban on haphazard sale of firecrackers within the Capital City. Also, if the small retailers are found infringing the guidelines, immediate action will be taken against the defaulters. The district administration has confined the sale of firecrackers from six major places to only two spots to curb the mushrooming of small firecracker shops. However, the decision has put several small retailers in quandary.
Notably, small sellers do a brisk business in the peak season. Bijendra Kumar, owner of Sahu and Sons, a retail shop of firecrackers at Upper Bazar said, “We may lose some loyal customers but at present the district administration appears adamant over the decision. As per the communiqué, firecrackers are to be sold only at Harmu Ground or else at Morhabadi Ground. However, we are trying that some amount of relaxation is given to the regular businessmen as most of them follows the prescribed norms.”
On the other hand, the district administration that has notified only two spots for sale of firecrackers this festive season is likely to increase the number of places for the sale of firecrackers. Arms Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Singh has said that looking at the number of requisition letters, other spots may also be considered.
Also, the district administration will start giving trade licences for sale of crackers to the retailers.
“Considering the risk level, we have demarcated two places that are free from hustle and bustle. Also, the places are centrally located. As per the demand, we will provide open space to the retailers at these spots. From today, we will start issuing trade licences. At present we will only issue licence for sale of firecracker products only at two places—Harmu Ground and Morabadi Ground but later on relaxation can be given,” Singh said.
Earlier despite issuing orders several local vendors used to sale firecrackers heedlessly violating the fire-safety rules in Ranchi. Interestingly, quite a number of make-shifts shops are established at busiest streets like Upper Bazaar, MG Marg, Doranda, Dhurwa etc. Alone in Upper Bazar which is considered the hub of firecracker shops approximately 50 temporary shops is decked up there during the festive rush.