Prohibition continues on fi recracker sales in Attibele; 50 tons remain intact post-tragedy

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In the wake of the devastating firecracker tragedy in Attibele, the central hub for firecrackers in the city, authorities have maintained the ban on firecracker sales in the region.

Approximately 50 tons of confiscated firecrackers, entangled in the aftermath of the Attibele fire accident, now face the unlikely prospect of being ignited.

Despite the submission of over 100 applications to the Bengaluru city district administration and 45 applications to the police department seeking permission for firecracker sales, no approvals have been granted.

The tragic event on October 7, which resulted in the loss of 17 lives, triggered widespread public outcry against the police department, fire department, and district administration for allegedly issuing licenses without adequate verification.

In response, the state government suspended three revenue officers, including the former tehsildar. Following the firecracker disaster, law enforcement seized 50 tonnes of firecrackers from establishments in Electronic City and Attibele.

Shopkeepers, striving to reclaim their confiscated goods, approached the High Court. The court mandated the return of firecrackers to licensees who complied with the regulations.

However, the current challenge involves establishing criteria for the return of these firecrackers to the licensees. Officials understand the need to check the rules, give out new permits, and carefully check things before letting people sell firecrackers again.

But it's getting tougher because there's a three-day government holiday coming up, making it hard to return the confiscated firecrackers. The Supreme Court's directive permitting only the use of green firecrackers adds a layer of complexity.

The confiscated stock encompasses other varieties of firecrackers. To ensure adherence to regulations, taskforces led by law and order Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) have been assembled to inspect the 267 firecracker shops authorised to sell green firecrackers in the capital.

These teams, comprising representatives from various departments, will evaluate compliance with 15 conditions. These conditions include the provision of firefighting systems in firecracker shops and maintaining a threemeter distance between each establishment.