Sirmaur DC Issues Guidelines for Diwali Firecracker Sales, Storage and Use

Nahan, October 23: Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma has issued guidelines regulating the sale, storage and use of firecrackers and fireworks during Diwali. The order will come into immediate effect and remain in force until November 8, 2026.

Under the guidelines, the storage, display and sale of firecrackers within Sirmaur district will require prior permission from the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), while obtaining a licence for sales is mandatory. Licensed vendors will be permitted to sell firecrackers only at designated locations.

Shops and sheds used for storing or selling fireworks must be equipped with fire extinguishers and buckets filled with sand. The sheds must be at least three metres apart, and oil lamps or candles are prohibited inside them. Fireworks displays will not be allowed within 50 metres of the sheds.

The order also prohibits firecrackers that exceed prescribed noise limits. Their use will not be permitted between 10 pm and 6 am. Firecrackers are also banned within 100 metres of designated silence zones around hospitals, educational institutions, courts and religious places. The storage and sale of illegally or clandestinely imported firecrackers are strictly prohibited.

The District Magistrate has directed all SDMs, executive magistrates, DSPs, tehsildars, naib tehsildars, SHOs, police station in-charges and other concerned officials to ensure compliance. Authorised officials may conduct inspections and raids, and violations will invite action as per the law.