Rourkela, Oct. 31: The district administration is being extra cautious this time to ensure the safety and security of people this Diwali.

The move comes in the wake of a recent accident at Rajgangpur in which two persons lost their lives.

"We will be strictly following the instructions of the district collector about safety and security. We will also ensure that there are proper sheds, sand bags, water and such other arrangements at all places where crackers are being sold," said fire officer Ramesh Majhi.

So far, the district administration here has identified a few places where crackers can be sold. Most of these places are away from crowded localities.

"We have identified 11 places which appear suitable for sale of crackers," said sub-collector Rourkela Himansu Behera.

Instead of the Koelnagar Main Market, this time the shops will be opened on the premises of kalyan mandap. The open space at Bhanja Bhavan has been earmarked for setting up cracker shops. Another such place could be the open space at Sector-13 Melan Padia.

"So far, we have chosen 11 sites but this number may go up if required. We will take the decision keeping in mind both openness of the area and easy accessibility for buyers," said Behera. He also made it clear that no illegal shops would be allowed to operate.

When asked whether the administration would allow the shops to operate at the congested bylanes of Old Rourkela, Behera said: "We will keep a close watch on all localities and sale of crackers at congested places is out of question."

He also made it clear that the administration would take action against violators. Only licensed shops will be allowed to operate.

In the recent accident in the congested bylanes of Rajgangpur, two persons had lost their lives and a lot of property was destroyed when a godown storing crackers caught fire.