The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started action against unauthorised firecracker stalls operating on footpaths, roads and in densely populated areas ahead of Diwali. The move follows a warning from its disaster management department regarding the risk of fire and loss of life at outlets operating without fire safety compliance.
However, several unauthorised stalls have been found operating under makeshift cloth sheds, raising concerns over fire safety. Last week, the PMC’s disaster management department wrote to the anti-encroachment department, seeking action against unauthorised stalls. It warned that the absence of fire brigade clearance could lead to major loss of life and property in the event of an accident.
The PMC has laid down 40 conditions for authorised firecracker vendors. These include a minimum distance of three metres between two stalls and at least 10 metres from a main road or another establishment.
Somnath Bankar, head of the PMC’s anti-encroachment department, said the department had received a letter from the fire brigade seeking action against illegal stalls. He said a joint drive involving staff from both departments would help ensure effective enforcement.
