The Rajouri district administration has imposed restrictions on the sale, storage and display of firecrackers ahead of Diwali, directing vendors to operate only from designated locations after obtaining the necessary permissions and complying with prescribed safety requirements.
The order was issued by Ravi Kumar Sihag under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing concerns over fire accidents, injuries and risks to public safety arising from unauthorised firecracker sales and storage. Sihag is listed as the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Rajouri in the Jammu and Kashmir government directory.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Rajouri administration restricts unauthorised firecracker sales ahead of Diwali.
Old Bus Stand designated as the authorised sales location within Rajouri municipal limits.
Vendors must obtain permission or a licence from the ADC Rajouri.
Rural firecracker sales require prior approval from competent authorities.
Unauthorised sales and storage at public and residential locations prohibited.
Water tankers, fire tenders and firefighting personnel to be deployed.
According to the directions, within Rajouri municipal limits, firecrackers can be sold only at the designated location at the Old Bus Stand. Vendors must obtain the requisite permission or licence from the ADC Rajouri and comply with the prescribed safety norms.
The Executive Officer of the Municipal Council Rajouri has been directed to make temporary tent arrangements at the designated site. Firecracker shopkeepers intending to sell their products must apply for the required authorisation.
In rural areas, firecracker sales will be permitted only after obtaining prior approval from the competent authorities, including the Additional Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners Revenue (ACRs) or concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs). Sales must take place at locations designated or approved by the respective authorities.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The restrictions aim to minimise fire hazards, prevent accidents and protect residents during Diwali celebrations. Designated sales locations, mandatory permissions and emergency response arrangements are intended to improve public safety across Rajouri district.
The order prohibits the unauthorised sale, stocking, storage and display of firecrackers at locations such as roads, footpaths, public places and residential areas.
For emergency preparedness, the Jal Shakti Department has been directed to deploy water tankers at designated firecracker sale locations. The Fire and Emergency Services Department has also been instructed to ensure the availability of fire tenders and firefighting personnel throughout the permitted sale period.
The Senior Superintendent of Police Rajouri, Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars and other concerned officials have been assigned responsibility for ensuring compliance with the restrictions.
The administration has warned that violations of the order will invite legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
