Even as the High Court has directed the Corporation and Police Commissioners to prevent the storage or sale of firecrackers on footpaths and roads, many shops have flouted the rules.
Corporation officials said temporary licences have not been issued for shops on footpaths but cracker sellers have already encroached footpaths near Panagal Park and set up shops.
According to a circular issued by Corporation Commissioner D. Karthikeyan on September 22, the Revenue Department authorities have been asked to “keep a close watch to ensure that fire crackers are not sold or stored on road pavements during festival season in any part of the city.”
“Any shopkeeper selling or storing fire crackers in violation of the rules should be prosecuted and the crackers should be seized and premises sealed,” the circular read.
However, corporation officials at the zonal level are yet to regulate the unauthorised sale of fire crackers along roads and footpaths.
₹2,000 temporary fee
The Corporation Revenue Officer has been asked to collect ₹2,000 as temporary licence fee for selling or storing crackers exceeding 50 kg.
Under Section 287 of Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act, the civic body is empowered to issue temporary trade licence for fireworks after issuance of licence from the Joint Controller of Explosives and a no objection certificate from the Commissioner of Police.
A squad comprising officials from the Police, Revenue Department, Fire and Rescue Services, and the Corporation will also prevent the sale of foreign crackers in each of the zones.
“We have not taken action on any sale of foreign fire crackers so far,” said an official.