The Government of Maharashtra, in an order dated 6th November, 2020 has issued the following information regarding firecrackers imported from abroad and measures to be taken to curb their sale:
On the backdrop of the upcoming Diwali festival, the state’s Director General of Police, all District Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, Commissioner of Police, Superintendent of Police and other agencies must prevent the storage and sale of illegally imported firecrackers.
In the present case, instructions are being given to the above-mentioned agencies to take the following measures as there is a need for coherence and definite action to be taken by all the agencies which allow the sale of firecrackers.
1. The concerned agencies should be vigilant to prevent the storage, sale and distribution of foreign firecrackers. Similarly regular check-up should be done.
2. Strict action should be taken in case of stockpiling, sale and distribution of foreign firecrackers.
3. All firecracker establishments should be thoroughly inspected, and precautionary measures should be taken to prevent stockpiling and sale of foreign firecrackers.
4. The Director General of Police of the State, all District Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, Commissioners of Police, Superintendents of Police should take necessary measures in their respective areas through discussion conferences and video conferencing.
5. Care should be taken not to sell illegally imported firecrackers as well as locally produced firecrackers through all e-commerce companies and local vendors.
6. State Director General of Police, all Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, the Commissioner of Police, Superintendent of Police and other agencies should organize press conferences in their jurisdictions to create awareness among the people about the ill effects of unauthorized firecrackers and to increase public participation in this work.
7. Carrying, storing and selling of illegally imported and locally produced firecrackers is illegal as per law.
Please note that the document is in Vernacular and has been translated to the best of our understanding.
Source: Government of Maharashtra
