Port Blair, Sept. 20: Keeping in view the forthcoming festive seasons starting from the month of October and in view of the constraints, safety aspects, cleanliness of business premises and also to prevent import and sale of banned fireworks, the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS held a meeting with all the stakeholders for retails sale of crackers.

The representatives of Andaman and Nicobar Chamber of Commerce and Industry have been directed to coordinate and submit the list of shopkeepers willing for allotment of temporary stalls. As per space availability and past precedence, it was decided that 50 stalls at ITF ground and 20 stalls at Bathubasti area may be allowed to operate on receipt of Fire Clearance Certificate from Fire Service Department.

The sale of crackers will be done from ITF Stall and Bathubasti area from Oct. 20 to 22, 2022 and from Oct.23 to 24, 2022 between 1000 hrs to 2100 hrs.

The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman has further advised the dealer community to ensure and promote the storage and sale of green fire crackers as per the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines. He also advised for strict adherence of the licensing capacity for storage of fire crackers and to prevent illegal/unauthorized import and sale of foreign origin fireworks during the festive season and also to prevent import and sale of banned fireworks. On receipt of reports regarding any deviation, strict action shall be initiated against them under the Explosive Rules, 2008.