Kiphire, November 11 (MExN): The Kiphire district administration has made it mandatory for all temporary firecracker shops to obtain licences under the Explosives Rules, 2008, ahead of the festive season, while prescribing a series of safety and regulatory requirements for vendors.
In a notification issued on November 10, Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire, Temsuwati Longkumer, stated that prospective vendors must obtain a valid licence in Form LE-5 under Rule 84 of the Explosives Rules, 2008, from the competent licensing authority, with police verification wherever applicable.
Applicants have been asked to submit their applications to the DC Office sufficiently in advance, along with particulars and supporting documents relating to the proposed site, shop layout and other licensing requirements.
The notification clarified that submission of an application would not, by itself, constitute permission to establish or operate a temporary fireworks shop.
Proposed sites will be subject to physical inspection and verification of prescribed safety distances by designated authorities. No temporary fireworks shop can be established, stocked or operated without a valid licence.
Under the prescribed quantity restrictions, vendors may possess and sell up to 100 kg of manufactured fireworks of Class 7, Division 2, Sub-division 2, and 500 kg of Chinese crackers and/or sparklers at any one time, subject to applicable statutory provisions and licence conditions.
The notification further stipulates that temporary fireworks shops must be located at least 50 metres away from protected works, with a minimum distance of three metres between adjoining shops or booths. Temporary sheds must be constructed of non-combustible materials, adequately enclosed and secured against unauthorised access, with sufficient spacing and provisions for safe evacuation.
Vendors are also required to maintain adequate fire extinguishers and other firefighting arrangements. The use of naked flames, oil-burning lamps, candles and other open-light sources inside or near the prescribed safety area of fireworks shops has been prohibited. Electrical fittings, wherever provided, must be securely installed and maintained in safe working condition.
The notification also prohibits the display of fireworks within 50 metres of temporary fireworks sheds or booths, as well as the stocking or sale of throw-down crackers and unauthorised fireworks.
Restrictions governing noise-emitting fireworks, including permissible noise limits under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and relevant notifications, must be strictly observed. Firecrackers of foreign origin and other prohibited or unauthorised fireworks are barred from possession and sale. Sale of fireworks from carts, lorries or other mobile vehicles is also prohibited, except where specifically permitted under applicable law.
Licensed premises will remain subject to inspection by competent authorities, while licensees are required to ensure round-the-clock vigilance and prevent unauthorised access and unsafe storage.
The DC has directed concerned administrative and police authorities to disseminate the notification and monitor compliance within their respective jurisdictions. Violations of statutory provisions or licensing conditions will invite action under relevant laws.
The general public has also been advised to purchase fireworks only from duly licensed vendors and observe prescribed safety precautions. The notification came into force with immediate effect.
