Firecracker shops on footpaths
In a letter dated Oct 30, signed by municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar, the civic body’s fire and emergency services department drew Nagpur police commissioner’s attention to complaints about temporary firecracker outlets operating near sensitive establishments, including schools, colleges, religious places and hospitals. It sought strict compliance with the Bombay High Court’s Oct 17, 2016, order and the Explosives Rules, 2008. The situation has prompted Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to issue two separate directives. NMC has specifically urged police to review permissions granted to such outlets and initiate action wherever violations are detected, including rejection, suspension or cancellation of licences. NMC has also acknowledged that neither its fire department nor the police issue permissions for firecracker shops operating on footpaths. Yet, such outlets continue to emerge across the city, raising questions over enforcement and coordination between the authorities. With temporary stalls continuing to occupy public spaces and safety norms being flouted, the onus is now on civic and police authorities to translate the directives into action before a fire or explosion puts lives at risk.