Pimpri: With the Diwali festival approaching, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has begun issuing permits for firecracker stalls through its fire department and eight regional offices.

This year, stricter enforcement is in place, and authorities have emphasized that firecracker stalls should only be set up after obtaining proper permissions. So far, 60 business owners have secured permits for their stalls.

Every year, numerous firecracker stalls are set up across the city without proper authorization, creating safety concerns. However, the municipal corporation has decided to adopt a firmer stance this year, ensuring that all firecracker stalls comply with regulations.

The fire department, along with the regional offices, is charging a fee of ₹2,000 for the issuance of a permit, which is mandatory for setting up a firecracker stall.

The fire department issues no-objection certificates (NOCs) for stalls that are to be located within constructed premises with shutters, ensuring that they meet the required safety standards.

However, officials have clarified that permits are not being granted for stalls in open spaces, to reduce fire hazards and enhance public safety.

According to official reports, 60 vendors have applied for and received permission to set up their firecracker stalls in various parts of the city. The authorities have warned that any stall found operating without a valid permit will face strict action from the encroachment department of the regional offices.

In addition to regulating permits, the municipal corporation has issued a set of safety guidelines aimed at preventing accidents during the festive season.

These include maintaining a supply of sand near stalls to tackle potential fire outbreaks, prohibiting the lighting of cigarettes or bidis in the vicinity of the stalls, and ensuring that no inflammable materials are stored nearby.

Furthermore, vendors are advised to keep children away from the stalls and ensure the availability of water as a fire-prevention measure.

Deputy Commissioner of the PCMC, Manoj Lonkar, reiterated the importance of adhering to the regulations, stating that vendors must obtain the necessary permits before setting up their stalls.

“We have already issued permits to 60 firecracker stall owners. Anyone found operating without a permit will face strict action,” he said.