Mira-Bhayandar citizens allege firecracker stalls set up in residential, crowded areas

Alert citizens of Mira-Bhayandar have alleged that firecracker stalls have been set up at many places in the city in disregard of the rules. They say court orders, government directions and the rules of the Explosives Act have been violated.

According to the citizens, the most serious point is that at some places stalls were put up and firecrackers sold even before final permission and the necessary approvals were received. They also allege that the municipal corporation and the police are not paying attention to the matter.

The citizens claim that court orders and the government guidelines clearly state that permission to sell firecrackers should not be given in public places, crowded areas and residential premises. Stalls should be set up only in open spaces or grounds, and several conditions and safety rules must be followed for this. Despite this, complaints have come in from many parts of the city of stalls being set up in breach of these rules.

This is not the first time. Last year too, complaints of large-scale irregularities in the permissions for firecracker stalls were made with evidence. Demands for action against the municipal corporation, the fire brigade and the police were raised then. This year, citizens complained to Mayor Dimple Mehta, municipal office-bearers, the commissioner and police officers from the start, asking that no permission be granted against the rules.

It is alleged that although the police tried to stop stalls coming up against the rules at some places this year, the largest number of violations has occurred within the limits of Bhayandar police station and in the municipal corporation's Prabhag Samiti No. 2. The citizens say firecracker stalls have been set up in densely populated areas, on roads crowded with passers-by, in public places and in residential areas.

Citizens are now asking why no action is being taken against vendors who set up stalls and began selling before receiving final approval and all the required permissions. They ask why cases are not registered against vendors who break the rules and why they are not blacklisted.