The proposal to shift fireworks shops in twin cities onto the city fringes continues to hang in balance as the fireworks dealers are against the move citing various reasons.
The move was planned on security grounds, particularly after the fire accident at Shanthi Fireworks in Begum Bazaar a few years ago. There are over 35 licensed traders in twin cities trading in fireworks.
“If the police and district administration is particular about shifting our establishments then they should provide us convenient and sufficient place on the city outskirts. We are legally permitted by the Department of Explosives to conduct business here,” said J. Manik Rao, Secretary of Fireworks Dealers Association, A.P on the sidelines of Pyrosafe 2010 seminar on Safe Storage and Usage of Fire Works organised here on Sunday.
“As per the Explosives Rules, 2008 the District Collector is empowered to take a decision on shifting fireworks shops to the outskirts and the Department of Explosives has no role to play in this matter,” said G.M. Reddy, Deputy Chief Controller Explosives Hyderabad. The Pyrosafe 2010 seminar was organised to create awareness among fireworks dealers across the State on the safety measures to be adopted in storage and usage of fireworks.
Joint Controller of Explosives – South Circle S. Sarguna Raman, who was chief guest for the programme, said majority of the fire accidents taking place in the State are due to illegal storage and manufacture of fireworks. “The three fire accidents that occurred recently near Eluru, Tadepalligudem and Visakhapatnam were on the premises of factories that were storing and manufacturing fireworks illegally. Stringent monitoring has to be taken up to curb illegal fireworks, particularly in the coastal districts,” said Mr. Raman.
