A shopkeeper waits for customers at a firecracker outlet in Patna City on Wednesday. Picture by Sachin

Patna, Oct. 12: The city police will soon launch a drive to curb the illegal manufacture and sale of firecrackers in the run-up to Diwali.

The men in uniform will try to ensure strict implementation of cracker sale norms. Their first target would be to keep tabs on cracker-manufacturing units, which according to norms, should be located at an open space away from any residential locality. They would also check if the storage units have valid licences issued by the district administration.

“A detailed list enumerating the licensed units will be sought from the district administration,” city superintendent of police (central) Shivdeep Lande said.

The officer said crackers cannot be sold in residential areas, near parks, hospitals and schools.

“A lot of cracker shops are located in Patna City. There are many in Kankerbagh too. Majority of shops sell them anywhere they want and don’t exercise any precaution like placing a bucket of water or sand nearby. The police will look into these aspects too,” he said.

The police will also check buses entering and leaving Mithapur bus stand for crackers.

“Many people come down to Patna and carry crackers on buses for sale or use. This is dangerous and can lead to accident any time. The buses will be checked thoroughly. The drive will be launched shortly,” the officer said.

All the police stations have been directed to prepare themselves for the drive against illegal sale of crackers.

“The police are particularly concerned about the illegal sale of fire crackers. There are many enclosed places, particularly in Patna City, where crackers are manufactured. It poses a huge risk. With the list of licensed outlets and units with the cops, it would be easy for the police to conduct raids,” Lande said.

Sources said officers in civil clothes would be posted at Mithapur bus station to nab those trying to smuggle crackers by buses. Surprise checks are expected to begin from next week.

“The public can also help in this connection. If they come across any outlet not abiding by the norms, they can alert the police so that we can take immediate action,” Lande added.