740 vendors get NMC nod to sell firecrackers, 284 denied

Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has seen a drop in the number of temporary firework vendors for Diwali 2024. So far, the fire and emergency services department has issued temporary no-objection certificates (NOCs) to 740 vendors, allowing them to set up shops across the city — 70 less than last year when 844 vendors were given clearance. Currently, 34 applications are still pending due to incomplete payments, while the department rejected 284 applications for various reasons.The department earned Rs 30.48 lakh as fees by issuing these temporary NOCs.
The rejection of applications reflects tighter scrutiny by the fire department, which is enforcing stricter compliance with safety and documentation protocols.
The number of firework vendors generally fluctuated in recent years. In 2021, there were 665 temporary vendors, which increased in 2023, before this year's dip. Experts point out that stricter regulations, especially regarding pollution control and safety, may be contributing to the decline in approved vendors.
Last year, regulations were particularly stringent. Fireworks could only be used for two hours during Diwali, from 8pm to 10pm, and vendors were required to sell only less polluting green crackers. Additionally, vendors could keep their shops open until 11pm. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board also mandated that only firecrackers with noise levels below 125 decibels could be sold. These regulations likely contributed to subdued sales last year, leading to a drop in the number of vendors seeking licenses this year.
This year, the fire department rejected 284 applications due to a variety of documentation issues. One of the common reasons for rejection included failure to upload the current year's tax receipts or the required rent NOC. Outstanding tax payments for the fiscal year 2024-2025, incomplete or erroneous forms such as unsigned self-declarations on Rs 100 stamp paper, and duplicate applications were frequent hurdles for applicants.
Discrepancies in names between tax receipts and NOCs, missing fire extinguisher certificates, or failure to provide police NOCs from previous years were also significant reasons for rejection. Vendors were further hindered by unclear documents, incorrect mobile numbers, or the absence of NOCs from neighbours or building owners.
As the NMC continues to process the remaining applications, the fire department is ensuring that vendors comply with fire safety regulations, especially regarding the storage and sale of fireworks. Inspections are regularly conducted to minimise fire hazards during the bustling festive season.
With over 800 permanent vendors already operating in Nagpur, an additional 740 temporary vendors bring the total number of firework shops to over 1,500 this Diwali season. The NMC emphasises the importance of accurate and complete documentation to avoid future rejections, while continuing to enforce strict safety measures.