Bhopal district administration has begun identifying locations for temporary firecracker shops ahead of Diwali. At a meeting on Thursday, the Collector and officials from the police, municipal corporation, Revenue departments and other agencies discussed retail sales arrangements and safety requirements. Shops will be allowed only at designated locations, with the municipal corporation to issue layouts after the sites are finalised. Retail Locations May Change: Authorities are reviewing locations used last year, when around 960 licences were issued. Some sites may be changed or new ones added depending on safety requirements and available space. The number of licences to be issued this year will depend on the final locations and applications received.

 

Temporary Licence For Up To 50 Kg: Retailers must apply through the designated online portal for a temporary licence allowing storage of up to 50 kg of firecrackers. Applicants will be required to operate only at the site approved for them. The police, municipal corporation and sub-divisional magistrates will be involved in the site-selection process. Joint Teams To Check Compliance: Teams from the Revenue Department, police and municipal corporation will inspect shops to check for prohibited firecrackers, excess storage and violations of safety rules. Shops must maintain fire and electrical safety measures, keep adequate distance from one another and avoid densely populated areas, power lines and transformers. Authorised temporary electricity connections, fire extinguishers, water and sand must be available, while access routes for fire tenders and pedestrians must remain clear.

 

Wholesale traders will also be required to comply with storage limits and safety standards. Most wholesale firecracker businesses operate in Bairagarh. The proposed relocation of the Halalpura market remains pending before the High Court. The SDM court has declared its 15 shops a public nuisance on safety grounds. Licence Process May Take Four Days: Officials said issuing licences generally takes three to four days. Site selection and other preparations are underway, but the deadline for applications and licence issuance has not yet been announced.