Pune News: PCMC approves 60 firecracker stalls, implements strict safety rules for Diwali

Airport Police Crack Down On Illegal Firecracker Stalls In Pune ( Representational Image )
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has authorized 60 firecracker stalls ahead of the Diwali season, introducing strict safety regulations to ensure public safety. Permits have been issued through the Fire Brigade and PCMC’s eight ward offices, with the authorities focused on preventing unauthorized setups and enforcing compliance.
Vendors must obtain a permit, which costs Rs 2,000, and a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Brigade. To receive the NOC, stalls must be located within permanent or shuttered structures, as those in open spaces do not qualify. This new measure addresses past safety concerns and unauthorized vendors, with authorities emphasizing that violators will face penalties.
PCMC officials have outlined several mandatory safety guidelines for vendors, including maintaining sand near stalls to manage potential fires, prohibiting smoking near stalls, and banning the storage of inflammable items. Any vendor caught without a valid permit will face immediate action from the encroachment department of the respective Ward Office, potentially leading to fines and legal consequences.
This year, the Fire Brigade and Ward Offices have approved permits for 60 vendors, each at the required fee. The aim is to ensure that only authorized vendors operate, particularly in busy areas, where fire risks are higher. Dehu Road Police Station recently registered a case against a vendor in Mamurdi, Mahesh Prem Paraks Agarwal, for operating illegally. Authorities seized firecrackers worth Rs 79,166, reinforcing their commitment to public safety.
PCMC’s approach this Diwali reflects its focus on secure celebrations, urging both vendors and residents to follow the guidelines. By limiting stalls to approved locations and enforcing strict safety rules, PCMC aims to reduce hazards associated with firecracker sales. This comprehensive approach underlines the importance of regulated operations for a safe Diwali season in Pimpri Chinchwad.