Subhash Mahajan
Chamba —
In view of public safety during the Diwali festival, Additional District Magistrate Amit Mehra has issued strict directives to ensure compliance with guidelines provided by the Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives. The measures aim to prevent any untoward incidents related to fireworks.
Key directives include:
- Ban on Unauthorized Fireworks: The manufacture and sale of unauthorized or illegally imported fireworks are strictly prohibited.
- Mandatory Compliance: Licensed vendors must adhere to the Explosives Rules, 2008, and all licensing conditions without exception.
- Restricted Chemicals: Fireworks containing chlorates—except for colored star matches and roll-dot caps—are banned. Items containing lithium, antimony, mercury, arsenic, lead, and strontium chromate compounds are also prohibited.
- Age Restrictions: Fireworks must not be sold to individuals under the age of 18.
- Safe Display Practices: Shops are instructed not to display or store open firecrackers. Smoking or lighting diyas, lanterns, or candles near fireworks is strictly forbidden.
- Staff Training: Vendors must train their staff on the hazardous nature of fireworks and safe handling of packets and boxes.
- Electrical Safety: Loose electrical wiring is not permitted, and no filled or empty firecracker boxes should be placed in front of shops.
- Authorized Products Only: Only approved fireworks with clear manufacturer labeling, usage instructions, and product details—as per Rule 15 of the Explosives Rules, 2008—are allowed for sale.
These measures are part of a district-wide initiative to ensure a safe and incident-free Diwali celebration.
