NO SPARK IN FIRECRACKER SALES, BLOW FOR TRADERS

Nagpur: The continuous hammering about negative effects of firecrackers on environment seem to be making a mark as wholesalers and retailers of crackers are reporting a near 50% dip in sales this year.

Diwali, the biggest festival of the country, sees brisk sales of firecrackers as temporary shops are set up to spike up sales. "It is because of the demands made by their children that people buy crackers on Diwali. But this year even schools are pushing children to say no to crackers," says Pawan Dixit who was disheartened to learn that his child was made to give a promise in his class that he would not buy firecrackers.

For centuries now, Diwali celebrations are marked by bursting of crackers. "Ideally speaking bombs (of any sound quality), Laxmi bombs, anar, chakras, rockets that should not create sound of bomb when fired, trains, tiklis, sparklers, chimnis should be purchased and lighted during Diwali," says Prabhod Vekhande who has studied the Hindu scriptures.

"But this year the high prices of crackers, the imposition of GST and lack of enthusiasm in the markets have all led to low sales," feels Lalit Karwatkar of Parasram fireworks in Itwari. "This past one year all actions of government have led to fall in businesses and the overall affect can be seen during this Diwali," he observes.

Wholesalers say that the prices have risen by 5 to 7%. Short supply from manufacturers in the South is being cited for the price hike. "Firecrackers in India are made by hand and are dried in sun light. But the intermittent and heavy rains in the state and southern parts of India have led to lesser supply," says wholesaler Gopichand Balani of Ishwardas and Sons who feels that the sales may pick up over the next two days.

The administration too has dragged its feet over issuing of licenses for retailers. As compared to last year, only half the number of licenses have been issued this year. "Permissions are to be sought for fire safety from NMC and to set up shop from police departments but every year the norms for issuing licenses keep changing," says Ashok Chandak of Chandak Phataka Company who is also blaming the ongoing Metro Rail work along with high prices for lack of footfalls at his shop. "Otherwise too the demand is mostly for less noisy items and sparklers," he says.

The fewer number of licenses mean less shops which also affects the business of wholesalers who try to increase their sales through retailers in far flung areas of the city. "What is also worrisome is that retailers who have set shops have not returned for the second lot of purchases," laments Karwatkar.

Hoping for brisk sales over the next four days, Mukesh Mishra of Sai Pathaka Bhandar in Gokulpeth, says, "Now firecrackers like sutli and Laxmi bomb are coming in a less noisy variant. People are aware and so buy them to burst on just one day of Diwali."

CRACKERS AND PRICES

Sparklers | 30 (10)

Flower Pot Giant (anar) | 250 (10pcs)

Twinkling Star (Rassi) | 100 (10)

Ground Chakkar (chakri) | 100 (10)

Rocket | 100 (10)

Sutli bomb (less sound variety) | 80 (10)

Laxmi Bomb | 30 (5)

Rassi bomb with foil | 70 (10)

(Cost in Rs; figures in brackets indicate number of pieces)