But it's not safe, as shopkeepers flout rules to sell fireworks. Greater Noida shops at highest risk
But it's not safe, as shopkeepers flout rules to sell fireworks. Greater Noida shops at highest risk
Delhi is sitting on a live bomb. Not one planted by terrorists, but by unauthorized firecracker sellers who have set up shop at every neighbourhood to cash in on Diwali.
From the simple chatai patakas to the more spectacular hydro bombs, Diwali crackers are being sold with a total disregard for rules. While the scenario is still under control in Delhi and parts of Noida, Greater Noida has the largest number of offenders.
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On fire? People buying crackers at Sadar Bazar in New Delhi on Thursday. PIC/RAJEEV TYAGI |
At risk
The Uttar Pradesh government has earmarked two areas in Noida for setting up cracker shops. The first is near Prakash Hospital at Sector 34 and the other is near the Navjeevan InterCollege, Bhangel.
In Noida, most shops selling firecrackers have stocked buckets of water and shopkeepers are selling only branded crackers.
In Greater Noida, however, cracker stalls are a fire hazard. Even at shops located next to police stations, shopkeepers are not only selling unbranded crackers but also lighting them for show.
While shoppers remain oblivious of the risks, the scenario is worrying the fireman. "The number of firecracker stalls in Greater Noida is around 20. Most of them have fabric canopies that can catch fire very quickly.
Children below 15 years are working at many of these shops. And they are selling unbranded crackers that can cause accidents. Parents are being allowed to take children to these stalls, which is also banned," said the Chief Fire Officer of Noida.
'Cops at fault'
Shopkeepers, however, blame a negligent administration and apathetic cops.
"We make sure children don't come to our shops butu00a0 there are no safety arrangements by the administration," said Asharam Sharma, a shopkeeper selling fireworks.
"The police are never around and we have to take care of every safety measure," said another Noida shopkeeper Jitendra Singh.
Delhi plays it safe
Meanwhile, Delhi is going by the rule book. Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said until now they have given licences to nearly 1,000 shopkeepers for the sale of fireworks.
"We don't have any restriction on the number of licences as long as the shops meet the safety requirement," Bhagat said.
