Amritsar: St(all) set for a cracking celebration

Nod to only 10 vends this time | Cops deputed to ensure safety

Temporary cracker kiosks set up at an open ground in New Amritsar on Sunday. Vishal Kumar

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 31

The cracker stalls are finally up at the open ground in New Amritsar. The district administration allowed only 10 stalls for selling crackers this time and directed traders to take all safety measures while selling the same, so that no untoward incident occurs.

The police have deputed cops at the site for security reasons besides three fire engines have also been stationed at the site to deal with any untoward incident.

The district administration has also formed teams to check the stall. Deputy Commissioner of Police Parminder Singh Bhandal pointed out: “Only those who were given the temporary licence for selling crackers will be allowed at the site and any other person found selling the same would be strictly dealt with.”

He said the administration received reports that the licence holders used to sell licence at higher rates to other traders and it was illegal. It is mandatory that those having licence remain present at the stall, he said.

Harish Dhawan, president, Amritsar Fireworks’ Association, said the district administration had taken out a lucky draw and announced 10 names for putting up the stalls. He said the licences would be issued on Monday to the beneficiaries and they can sell the crackers.

Dhawan said with Supreme Court banning dangerous chemicals used in the manufacturing of firecrackers, these would be 50 per cent less polluted this time. He said a majority of firecrackers were green crackers.

Dhawan said a delegation would be meeting CM Charanjit Singh Channi urging him for setting up and allowing manufacturing of firecrackers. This would not only help in generating revenue, but creating lakhs of jobs.

50% less pollution?

With the Supreme Court banning dangerous chemicals used in the manufacturing of firecrackers, these would be 50 per cent less polluted this time
A majority of firecrackers will be green
A delegation will meet CM Charanjit Singh Channi to seek permission for manufacturing of firecrackers. This will not only help in generating revenue, but create lakhs of jobs, says Amritsar Fireworks’ Association president

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