Firecracker storage fuels risk factor

NEW DELHI: Delhi traders and transporters have increased the risk of fires breaking out during the festive season by not adhering to fire and safety norms.
"More than 51 tonnes of firecrackers worth about Rs 117 lakh have been seized from illegal warehouses in the past few days as a part of an intensive drive against illegitimate hoarding of firecrackers," said Deependra Pathak, chief spokesperson of Delhi police and ACP (general administration)."In total, 17 cases have been registered in this regard and 25 persons have been arrested.
In comparison, 14 tonnes of firecrackers had been seized last year during the Dussehra-Diwali season. "In most of these cases, the traders or the transporters did not have any valid license to handle the explosive materials," said a senior crime branch officer.
According to senior police officers, the storage of firecrackers in residential areas is a cause of grave concern since it increases manifold the risk of major fires and explosions that may lead to people being injured or killed as well as property being damaged or destroyed.
In an effort not to mar the festive spirit, temporary licenses have been issued by the district deputy commissioners of police allowing traders to stock firecrackers during the festive season.
The licenses have been granted after physical inspection of premises and verification of safety norms being followed by those stalking crackers by police personnel.According to crime branch sources, the risk posed by traders selling firecrackers from congested residential areas like a few localities in northwest Delhi is further magnified by the fact that fire tenders of the Delhi Fire Services cannot enter narrow lanes and bylanes.
"In case a fire erupts in such areas, the damage inflicted could be massive since the fire fighters would not be able to reach the point of origin," an officer of the crime branch said.