Delhi: Confused over SC order, firecrackers sellers shut shops voluntarily
What's the story
Ahead of Diwali, dealers have decided to voluntarily shut their firecrackers shops in Old Delhi as they are confused about the Supreme Court order. The apex court had ruled only green crackers will be sold by licensed sellers in Delhi/NCR. But the dealers have little clarity about the kind of crackers they are allowed to sell, hence they have shut shops. Here's more.
Shutting shop
As confusion looms, shutting shops seems a good option
Praveen Kumar, a firecracker dealer in Sadar Bazaar, told HT, "Only a few dealers get the 12-month license. We have decided to keep our shops shut." Both shops in the area which have a 12-month license are shut. DCP (North) Nupur Prasad they didn't have stock of crackers permitted by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO).
Temporary licenses
Temporary licenses were to be issued on Thursday
Notably, temporary licenses were to be issued to vendors on Thursday. About the temporary vendors, Prasad added, "They will be allowed to operate only if they have firecrackers that fulfill the criteria mentioned by the court." Similar scenes were spotted at Jama Masjid, which is usually abuzz days ahead of Diwali. Not just the sellers, but the policemen are confused too.
Police confused
Policemen don't know what they have to do
A policeman at Sadar Bazaar said he doesn't know what 'green crackers' are. "We have been told that since it is still not out for sale, any sale of crackers is banned," he added. Another constable stationed at Jama Masjid said, "We don't know if the earlier licenses are deemed invalid." Madhur Verma, Delhi Police spokesperson said they are seeking clarification from PESO.
Do you know?
Temporary licenses would not be issued to all
However, Verma added the idea is to reduce temporary licensed shops from 968 last year to 450 this time. They also want shops to label 'green crackers' and put copies of their license on display.