26th October 2016

- The New Indian Express

Vendors say no to Chinese crackers in Berhampur

BERHAMPUR: This year, no Chinese crackers will be available in Berhampur’s wholesale market - Balunkeswar fireworks - located close to Nilakantheswar temple on the outskirts of the city that opens a month before the Festival of Lights.

The firecracker sellers of the market have decided not to procure Chinese crackers despite its popularity among the locals. President of Cracker Merchants Association of Berhampur, Rinku Gouda said this time, all the sellers were asked not to procure or sell Chinese crackers in the wake of the Centre’s decision and China’s support to Pakistan. The Centre had appealed to the traders not to sell Chinese crackers, citing safety reasons and pollution.

Following the Centre’s appeal, the vendors are procuring locally made crackers from places like Nalabanta in Ganjam, Padampur in Cuttack and Raipur in Chhattisgarh. The expect sales of Rs 1.5 crore this time. “We would request everyone not to use any Chinese crackers and instead of Chinese rice lights, people should decorate their homes with clay lamps,” Gouda said.

As many as 46 vendors are licensed to sell crackers in the market through 80 stalls. Last year, the administration had decided to restrict sale of firecrackers to the market to reduce the risk of fire accidents in the crowded city. The administration has requested the city residents not to buy crackers and fireworks from any other outlet. The administration has decided to be strict on unlicensed fireworks sellers who open shops in streets.

Earlier this week, the Fire Department officials made a detailed survey of fire safety measures at the shops in the market. A fire brigade vehicle will be stationed in the market from Saturday, informed Bhabagrahi Ghadei, Fire Officer (southern region).

Meanwhile, police have started cracking the whip on illegal cracker manufacturing and selling units in Berhampur and nearby areas. Police raided three unlicensed cracker shops in Badabazaar and seized crackers. Last week, Aska Additional Tehsildar Sangram Keshari Jena and IIC Baleswar Gidhi had conducted raids in the village and seized a large quantity of illegally prepared crackers.

Even the huts erected for the preparation of crackers were set ablaze by the officers. Crackers are also manufactured illegally in Ankuspur under Sadar police limits.