VADODARA: City police might have taken action against 50
illegal firecracker shops in last three days. But numerous such illegal fire cracker
shops operate on city streets in different localities putting lives of many citizens at risk.
Even a day after a major fire broke out at a shop at Rustampura village in Waghodiya taluka killing eight persons and injuring six others, number of unlicensed fire cracker dealers are doing brisk
business without any fear of authorities or any untoward incident.
It is mandatory for dealers of fire crackers to get permission from the police as well as the fire department and to follow the norms prescribed by them.
According to a senior fire department official, they have given approval to 60 applicants to operate fire cracker stalls in the city after they have installed fire extinguishers and placed tin shades instead of leather shades.
On Saturday, at least 12 unlicensed stalls were seen near Yash Complex in Gotri, one near Gotri police station, three each on Race Course Road, Ellora Park, Raopura Main Road and Gorwa Housing Board and two near Gorwa police station.
Most of these fire cracker shops had been operating since past 10 days. Many fire cracker dealers claimed that this was the first time that they had got into this business and they were unaware about the administrative approvals that they have to take before opening such stalls. Some dealers even claimed that they have been given "oral permissions" from police officers of their areas and therefore they are running their stalls.
"We have taken action against many illegal fire cracker stall owners and have even given warnings to them. We will continue to identify more such persons and take necessary action against them," said D J Patel, joint commissioner of police.