Patna District Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Firecracker Trade Ahead of Diwali

Chirag Gupta

Patna: District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Mishra have directed all sub-divisional officers and police officers to launch an intensive campaign against illegal firecracker businesses in the district. Following the directives of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal, the use of firecrackers has been banned in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur due to poor air quality recorded last year.

The district administration has appealed to residents to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali, refraining from using firecrackers to reduce pollution, which poses serious health risks, particularly to children, elderly, and heart patients. Harmful chemicals from firecrackers and kerosene used in diyas add to air pollution, causing respiratory and eye irritation.

The District Magistrate and SSP have activated raid teams across Patna to curb illegal firecracker trade, directing officers to gather intelligence at the police station level. They will monitor manufacturing sites, ensure storage compliance, and verify licensed sellers’ stock records to prevent unauthorized sales. All firecracker-related establishments in densely populated areas will face special checks.

Additional steps include verifying individuals or establishments suspected of illegal manufacturing, tracking sources of explosive substances, and preventing their sale to anti-social elements. Authorities are tasked with arresting offenders under the Explosive Substances Act and monitoring previously bailed individuals linked to firecracker violations.

The administration has emphasized zero tolerance for violations of the Explosive Substances Act, with strict action planned for those disregarding these public safety directives.