By Afreen Firdaus

Bhubaneswar: With Diwali approaching, preparations for the city’s temporary firecracker markets have begun, even as traders await official clearance to open their stalls. Amid concerns over fire hazards and public safety, authorities are preparing to enforce strict norms, including a mandatory distance of 100 metres from residential areas and an eight-feet gap between adjoining shops.

Firecracker traders have started applying for licences to set up temporary stalls at designated locations across Bhubaneswar. While some have begun preliminary arrangements, including erecting poles at the sites, several traders said they would start sales only after obtaining the necessary permissions.

The designated locations include Durga Puja grounds at Nayapalli and Rasulgarh and the playground at Baramunda. “We have started the application process and are waiting for the necessary permissions. We will open our stall only after completing all formalities and ensuring the required safety arrangements,” said Ganesh Sahu, a seasonal firecracker trader from Jharpada.

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Strict safety measures

Special inspection teams comprising personnel from the Commissionerate Police, Fire Services department and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) will check compliance with the prescribed safety norms.

Under the proposed guidelines, firecracker shops must be located at least 100 metres away from residential areas, while a minimum gap of eight feet must be maintained between adjoining stalls. Traders will also have to keep fire extinguishers and bags of sand readily available. Smoking will be prohibited in and around the designated markets.

Safety norms

1. Minimum 100-metre distance from residential areas and eight feet between adjoining shops
2. Fire extinguishers and sandbags to be kept readily available; smoking prohibited
3. Joint inspection teams of police, Fire Services and BMC to check compliance

“Safety is crucial when several shops operate together. We will follow the guidelines, but authorities must ensure adequate space and basic facilities at designated sites,” said Tanmay Dalmia, a firecracker trader from Jatni.

Residents seek proper monitoring

The temporary markets are expected to attract large crowds during the festival, making traffic management and fire safety key concerns for people living and working in the surrounding areas.

“During the festival, these markets attract a large number of customers. While this helps bring business to the area, proper parking and crowd management are necessary to prevent inconvenience to other shopkeepers,” said Tanmay.

Residents have also called for strict enforcement of safety norms. “Firecracker shops should be located away from residential buildings. Authorities must ensure the availability of fire safety equipment and conduct regular inspections, not just before the festival,” said Devika Patnaik, a resident of Ashok Nagar.

Grace D’Souza, a resident of Kharavela Nagar, said, “People look forward to celebrating Diwali, but safety cannot be compromised. There should be strict monitoring of shops and checks on illegal firecracker sales.”

Apart from regulating licensed outlets, police are planning special drives against the illegal sale and storage of firecrackers.