Temp Firecracker Licence Ahead of Diwali, just 9 applications get fire dept's go-ahead

39 applications under process against 48 issued last year, but sales have begun

- Sarfaraz Shaikh & Ankit Pandey

With just four days left for Diwali, fireworks traders in Ahmedabad are facing uncertainty over getting the opinion of the Fire Department.

So far, the department has issued its opinion on only nine of the numerous applications it received this year. It should be noted that those who set up temporary shops/storage for the sale of firecrackers need to get police permission, which is only granted after the Fire Department gives its opinion on whether the site is safe for the sale of firecrackers or not. Last year, the department had given its opinion on 48 applications till Diwali.

Tighter safety norms