In a proactive move to ensure public safety, police recently conducted extensive raids on firecracker shops across Jangareddygudem and Nuzvid in Eluru district. Officers reiterated that traders must secure all necessary licenses from the appropriate authorities and strictly adhere to crucial safety protocols before operating their stalls.
Superintendent of Police K. Pratap Shiva Kishore issued clear directives, stating that legal action, including cases under the stringent Explosives Act, would be initiated against any traders found to be in violation of these regulations.
Leading one such operation, a dedicated team comprising Jangareddygudem Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) U. Ravi Chandra and Circle Inspector M.V. Subhash meticulously inspected numerous shops within their division, verifying licenses and safety measures. DSP Ravi Chandra emphasized that “shop owners have been explicitly instructed not to engage in unauthorized cracker manufacturing and to avoid operating their businesses in residential zones to prevent potential hazards.”
Similarly, in Nuzvid, DSP K.V.V.N.V. Prasad and Rural Circle Inspector K. Ramakrishna spearheaded raids on various establishments in the town and its surrounding villages, maintaining a consistent focus on compliance.
SP Pratap Shiva Kishore further detailed essential safety guidelines, stipulating that firecracker traders must equip their stalls with vital safety provisions like sand buckets, readily available water, and appropriate firefighting equipment. He firmly stated, “Shop owners must never employ children for labor and are responsible for implementing all requisite safety precautions.” The SP also appealed to the public to utilize ‘Dial 112’ to promptly report any information regarding illicit cracker manufacturing operations or unauthorized vendors.
In a related statement to The Hindu on Wednesday, Krishna District Fire Officer (DFO) A.V. Shankar Rao reiterated the call for all traders to secure official permissions before establishing firecracker shops for the upcoming Deepavali festive season. “Stern action will be taken against unauthorized cracker shop owners who disregard these directives,” DFO Shankar Rao cautioned, underscoring the serious implications of non-compliance.