SC directive, green campaign cast shadow on cracker sale

Fearing loss, traders procure less stock this Deepavali season

Yet to pick up: Cutomers choosing their picks from a cracker stall set up at Andhra University Engineering College Grounds, in Visakhapatnam on Monday.

The Supreme Court’s restriction on bursting of crackers and high-decibel campaign for eco-friendly Deepavali have the cracker vendors in the city their fingers crossed about the business this festive season. Just two days left for the ‘Festival of Lights’ and many vendors are yet to set up stalls.

The ‘green campaign’ have dissuaded many cracker traders from setting up their stalls this year while the ones who have set up their vends say that they have procured less stock this year.

Cracker stalls are being set up at Andhra University Engineering College Grounds, A.S. Raja Grounds, Gajuwaka, Madhurwada and many other places in the city. Compared to last year, number of stalls have come down, the traders say.

“Year after year, I have been bringing less stock, keeping in view the increase in the awareness for the eco-friendly celebrations. Incurring loss has become a trend. I have bought a stock worth ₹2 lakh this year,” says M. Ramesh, who has set up a stall at AU Engineering College Grounds.

Sky-rocketing prices

The sky-rocketing prices of crackers is also dissuading people to make big purchases, says K. Trinadh, another stall owner. “The prices have increased this time when compared to last year. With GST, transportation charges and other expenditures, we have left with no option other than increasing the prices. The low margin also hinders us to dole out heavy discounts,” says Mr. Trinadh.

The cracker stall owners say that they have procured the stock keeping the children in view. A few varieties such as 10,000 wala, Vishnu Chakras and etc have a good market.

On Monday, among the 80 stalls for which permissions have been accorded, many are yet to open and a thin crowd of customers was seen at the stalls at AU Engineering College Grounds. The vendors are expecting rush from Tuesday morning.

“Every year, we face situations such as inclement weather, Go-Green campaigns. This year, we have to wait how public will respond to the two-hour rule for bursting crackers. The sale will depend on it,” says S. Jogendra, a fire cracker stall owner.