Vijayawada: The state police has issued guidelines to police commissioners and district SPs to ensure safety during the Diwali festival. On Diwali day, no sales shall be held after 5 pm.
DGP Rajendranath Reddy said meetings were held with firecracker units and shops that sell these. Strict action will be taken against those who stock firecrackers without permission in their houses, shops and warehouses in or close to residential areas or carry out unauthorized sales without licence.
A special police unit for vigilance has been set up in Godavari district while spot checks are done on manufacturing units, storage godowns and places where raw materials are kept for cracker manufacturing.
DGP Rajendranath Reddy said, so far, 239 licences have been issued for storage of the powder used in firecrackers. Similarly, licences have been granted to 3856 shops across the state to do the sales. Three cases (2 in Kakinada, 1 in Nandyal) have been registered against the licensees who violated the rules.
Surprise inspections have been conducted in 44 areas and 60 cases have been registered against illegal storage, manufacture and sale across the state.
As many as 1,223 people have been arrested and notices issued to 429 people involved in the related mishaps. Similarly, firecracker powder worth Rs 42.36 lakh has been seized across the state. The DGP suggested the people to dial 100/112 and inform the police about the illegal manufacturing and sale of firecrackers.
The state police issued rules and regulations to the firecracker sellers, manufacturers and fireworks storage centres, instructing them that they must operate at a specified minimum distance away from the residential areas. All the fire safety precautions must be followed.
Firecrackers should be sold at places away from residential areas, educational institutions and hospitals.
Fire tenders, cylinders, sufficient dry sand and an adequate amount of water should be made available at every shop. Minors shall not be employed at the manufacturing or selling spots. Licensed shopkeepers should conduct sales only during the hours prescribed by the authorities.
