Online help for firecracker sellers

More shops selling firecrackers are expected to comply with government regulations this Diwali, thanks to an initiative of the licensing department of Delhi police that began the process of issuing licences five months ago.

More shops selling firecrackers are expected to comply with government regulations this Diwali, thanks to an initiative of the licensing department of Delhi police that began the process of issuing licences five months ago.

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Traders can track the status of their applications, all submitted by August 25, with a few clicks on the department’s website. The traders are being informed that their applications are “under process”, “granted" or “not granted”.

Madhup Tewari, the additional commissioner of police (licensing), said the process was begun in June to ensure transparency. “The statuses are being updated daily so that traders have clear pictures about their applications. Giving clearances is a time-consuming process as various factors, including fire safety measures, have to be properly checked,” Tewari said.

Figures released by the department showed that 519 licences had been issued till Monday against the total 1,220 applications. Last year, of the 1,211 applicants, 843 were given the go-ahead.

“There are many whose applications are under process and so, the number will go up considerably. Even on case-to-case basis, a ‘not granted’ application can also be reconsidered,” an official of the licensing department said.

According to him, the application process had started on June 11 in order to avoid last-minute rush.

Those selling only amorces and sparklers up to 100kg do not require a licence. However, those wanting to offer mixed crackers had to make sure that they get a temporary licence by submitting the application forms at the district DCP’s office to be able to run their business from October 22 to November 15.