Hyderabad: With Diwali just around the corner, cracker traders in the city have begun setting up temporary stalls to meet the rising demand for fireworks. They have received permission from the police and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to operate these stalls. Traders report that the demand for crackers has increased significantly, leading to a 10-15% rise in prices. Despite the price hike, they are hopeful for better sales this year.
In many parts of the city, especially in Begum Bazar, these temporary stalls have already started displaying a variety of fireworks. Traders are offering a range of new models and are waiting for customers to make their purchases. Every year, around 1,500 temporary stalls are established across Hyderabad as part of the festive preparations.
As Diwali approaches, more and more people are visiting these stores. However, traders are selling more synthetic crackers than the environmentally friendly “green crackers.” Many boxes do not clearly label whether they are green crackers or not, adding to the confusion.
Sanjay Kumar, the owner of Shanti Fireworks in Begum Bazar, shared that his family has been in the fireworks business for over 150 years. He mentioned that in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in sales. In the past, long queues of customers would stretch for a kilometer in front of his shop. Now, only around 100-150 people visit his store each day.
Traders attribute the drop in sales to the rising prices of essential commodities. Even people from middle-class families are hesitating to spend money on crackers. Observers note that even after spending Rs 3,000, customers are not able to buy as many crackers as before due to the yearly increase in prices. Many citizens feel that there is no proper control over the pricing of crackers.
To ensure safety, the GHMC and the police have made detailed arrangements to prevent any accidents at the makeshift markets. The authorities have issued strict guidelines for traders who are setting up temporary stalls. These traders must obtain proper licenses, and those without licenses will not be allowed to operate during the festival.
The GHMC has also set certain requirements for the stalls, such as maintaining a safe distance between them, providing water and fire extinguishers, using fire-resistant materials, and ensuring that all electrical connections are properly inspected. Traders must also have watch and security staff available at all times.
In case of any accidents, the stall holder is held responsible and could face legal action. Traders are reminded to follow the guidelines issued by the State Pollution Control Board to avoid any issues.
The Disaster Response and Fire Department has also made plans to prevent fire accidents during Diwali. All staff members are on high alert across the state, ready to respond to any emergency calls related to the festival, ensuring a safe and joyful Diwali for everyone.
