Only One Firecracker Stall Gets PCMC Nod
23 applications received; civic body cracks down on unauthorised Diwali vendors
Pimpri-Chinchwad : With Diwali approaching and firecracker stalls emerging across Pimpri-Chinchwad, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has tightened its stance on unauthorised vendors. Of the 23 applications received so far for setting up firecracker stalls, only one has been approved by the civic fire department.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner and Fire Department Chief Venkatesh Durvas has directed officials to ensure strict compliance with fire safety regulations. Traders must obtain temporary permission from their respective ward offices and a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department before commencing sales.
The fire department has written to all 10 ward offices, instructing officials to inspect stalls and initiate action against vendors operating without the necessary clearances.
No Permission for Stalls in Open Spaces
The civic body has clarified that firecracker stalls will not be permitted in open spaces. Permission will be granted only for premises with reinforced cement concrete (RCC) construction and shuttered shops.
Last year, despite numerous firecracker stalls operating across the city, only 100 traders had secured official permission from PCMC, highlighting concerns over compliance.
The permission fee ranges from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,500, depending on the location.
Safety Norms Under Scanner
The civic body has advised stall operators to keep sand readily available, prohibit smoking in and around the premises, and avoid storing inflammable materials nearby. Children must be kept away from stalls, while arrangements should be made for a water supply of 1,000 to 5,000 litres.
Durvas said the encroachment department had also been instructed to take action against illegal stalls. He urged traders to obtain all required permissions and follow safety norms before beginning sales.
With only one application approved so far, traders seeking to sell firecrackers this Diwali face tighter scrutiny from the civic administration.
