What Happened to the Illegally-Stored Firecrackers Seized in Hyderabad?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Illegal firecracker storage poses serious risks to public safety.
- Authorities are enforcing strict compliance with safety regulations.
- Only green crackers approved by PESO may be sold.
- License applications must be submitted by October 15.
- Violations can result in cancellation of licenses and legal action.
Hyderabad, Oct 10 (NationPress) On Friday, law enforcement in Hyderabad confiscated firecrackers worth Rs 18 lakh that were stored illegally and made an arrest in relation to the incident.
Following a tip-off, members of the Commissioner’s Task Force, East Zone, along with Afzalgunj police, conducted a raid on a warehouse situated in Siddamber Bazar. During the operation, they detained an individual who was found to be storing firecrackers unlawfully in a residential area, leading to the seizure of various brands of firecrackers valued at Rs 18 lakh.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ande Srinivasa Rao, identified the arrested individual as Shyam Kumar Sugandhi, a businessman who was hoarding firecrackers without obtaining the necessary legal permits. He was aware that storing such materials in a residential zone poses significant risks to both human life and property in the event of an accident.
With the Deepawali festival approaching, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Central Zone, K. Shilpavalli, convened a meeting with applicants and license holders of temporary firecracker shops within the zone, urging them to adhere strictly to safety regulations outlined in the Explosives Act, 1884, and the Explosives Rules, 2008.
In light of the expected high foot traffic during the festival weekend, she stressed that all license holders must rigorously implement fire, electrical, and crowd safety protocols.
Applications for temporary firecracker shop licenses are due by October 15. Applicants must submit all required documents, including a self-declaration, a No Objection Certificate from the Divisional Fire Officer, land permissions from the GHMC or relevant authority, consent from the landowner (if applicable), any previous year’s licenses, and a detailed site plan.
Only firecrackers classified as green and approved by PESO that comply with Supreme Court guidelines are permitted for sale. The Central Zone Police, in collaboration with Fire Services, GHMC, and Revenue officials, will perform regular inspections. Any breaches of licensing conditions or the Explosives Rules, 2008, will lead to license cancellation and prosecution under applicable laws.
Previously, Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar reiterated that obtaining prior police permission is essential for operating a firecracker shop. A notification was issued to this effect.
Licenses for temporary firecracker shops will be issued by Deputy Commissioners of Police according to established guidelines. Non-compliance will result in penalties and further actions as specified under the Act and Rules, as per the notification.