Hyderabad: Diwali Firecracker Sellers Must Follow GHMC Guidelines
With Diwali approaching, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has set strict rules for those who want to sell firecrackers. Anyone planning to set up a temporary stall to sell crackers must get a temporary trade license from the GHMC. Before getting this license, they also need approval from the local police station and fire station, after paying the necessary fees.
GHMC Commissioner K Ilambarithi announced on Thursday that shopkeepers cannot sell firecrackers without this license. They must follow all the rules set by GHMC, and the license is mandatory for setting up shops during the festival.
To apply for a temporary trade license, shop owners need to pay a fee and get prior permission from GHMC. They can apply for this license through the citizen service center or the GHMC website (www.ghmc.gov.in). Payment can be made using demand drafts, debit or credit cards, or net banking. The shopkeepers must also provide their Aadhaar card and PAN card for identification.
Zonal Commissioners have been given the authority to approve these applications and issue temporary licenses. They will also conduct surprise inspections of the stalls. Stalls can be set up by individuals, associations, or societies, but they must follow certain safety rules. These include keeping a safe distance between stalls, providing water, using wooden stands, using fire-resistant materials, and having fire extinguishers. There must also be staff available 24/7 to monitor the stalls, and all electrical connections must be certified by a competent inspector.
It is strictly prohibited to light fireworks near the stalls, and the electric wiring used in the stalls must be of good quality. If an accident happens at a stall, the stall owner will be held responsible and legal action can be taken. This will be clearly stated in the temporary trade license certificate.
Shop owners must also follow the guidelines issued by the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) and orders from the Supreme Court, High Court, and both State and Central governments. The sale of banned firecrackers is not allowed, and any violation of these rules can result in the license being canceled.
In addition, the Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda police commissioners have issued their own rules for setting up cracker stalls. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in each zone will grant licenses under the Explosives Act, 1884, and Explosives Rules, 1983 (amended in 2008).
Applicants must apply manually for a temporary license using Form AE-5 of the Explosives Rules. Along with the application, they must provide several documents, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Divisional Fire Officer, land permission from GHMC, a NOC from neighbors if the shop is in a permanent structure, and a blueprint of the shop’s layout.
