Strict guidelines have been laid for firecraker traders across Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Oct. 23: This Diwali, the police will crackdown on traders violating prescribed norms for selling firecrackers.

Special squads have been formed to ensure that all the prescribed norms are strictly followed. Besides, the teams would review the safety precautions adopted by traders from tomorrow, said deputy commissioner of police S. Praveen Kumar.

“Temporary licenses were issued to a number of traders for selling firecrackers after they fulfilled certain conditions,” said Kumar.

Official sources said, so far temporary licences have been issued to over 150 persons willing to set up kiosks to sell firecrackers.

The city police issues temporary licences for setting up kiosks for selling firecrackers after the traders concerned produce necessary documents and a no objection certificate (NOC) from the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and the local fire station and traffic officials.

As per norms, the firecracker shop can be opened only at the specified location and it should have sufficient space. Synthetic materials shall not be used for erection of temporary structures and any type of lamp, light and halogen lights without cover can be used at the kiosk.

Similarly, fire extinguisher, fire buckets filled with dry sand and water should also be kept near the shops. Despite such guidelines it has been observed that traders are violating the norms, which could result in a disaster.

“Today, I had come to purchase crackers for my children for Diwali from Nandi Sahi area. But most of the units did not have any fire extinguisher,” said Kailash Khuntia, a customer.

“We are following most of the guidelines of the city police. But there are many small traders who are unable to keep fire extinguishers, which cost around Rs 5,000,”said Ramesh Nayak, a trader.

Fire officials have also planned to set up three temporary outposts near Gaurishankar Park, Lalbag and Madhupatna. “A control room would be set up besides three temporary outposts that would function from Tuesday,” said assistant fire officer Sapan Chakrobarthy.