Shimla Administration Tightens Vigil on Illegal Firecracker Trade Ahead of Festivals

Shimla, October 21: The Shimla district administration has constituted joint inspection committees at tehsil and sub-tehsil levels to curb the illegal transportation, storage and sale of firecrackers during the upcoming festive season.

District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap has issued orders for the committees to conduct inspections and ensure compliance with applicable rules. The committees will be headed by the concerned tehsildars, with representatives from the police, fire services, Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, State Taxes and Excise Department, local bodies and revenue department serving as members. Sub-divisional magistrates will oversee and coordinate their functioning.

The police will establish special checking points and mobile inspection teams at major entry routes, border areas, national highways and inter-district roads. Vehicles transporting firecrackers will be checked for explosives licences, transport permits, GST invoices, e-way bills, source and destination details, quantity of goods and compliance with safety standards. Transportation without valid documents will invite action under the law.

The inspection committees will verify the validity of licences for the sale and storage of firecrackers and ensure that fireworks are kept only at authorised, licensed premises. They will also examine fire safety equipment, emergency arrangements, environmental compliance and adherence to prescribed stock limits.

The administration will take action against unauthorised sales, roadside stalls operating without permission and temporary or mobile sale outlets. Special surveillance will be maintained on the bulk movement of firecrackers at night, with surprise inspections during the festive period. Crowded markets, residential areas and locations near educational institutions and hospitals will also remain under close watch.

Violations may invite action under the Explosives Act, 1884, Explosives Rules, 2008, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, GST laws, environmental legislation and other applicable provisions. Depending on the case and the powers of the competent authority, illegal stock may be seized, premises sealed, licences suspended or cancelled, and prosecution initiated.

The committees have been directed to submit their initial inspection reports to the concerned SDM within three days of commencing inspections. They must subsequently submit weekly progress reports every Monday during the festive season, detailing violations, seizures, prosecutions and preventive measures undertaken. The SDMs will compile these reports and forward them to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

The orders have come into immediate effect and will remain in force until the end of the festive season or further directions. The administration has instructed all concerned departments and officials to ensure strict implementation.