Officials to conduct random checking of shops selling

A day after a cracker blast killed a labourer and injured others in the Naya Bazar market in north Delhi, officials have been asked to conduct random checking of shops and godowns that house firecrackers to ensure that all the safety norms are being followed.
The firecrackers that caused an explosion yesterday were found to be of Indian make and post the incident, the deployment of police officers has been stepped up in marketplaces where festive items are being sold, said a senior police officer.
Shopkeepers selling crackers have been asked to ensure that they follow all the safety measures in storage and transportation of crackers, he added.

Meanwhile, the Licensing Branch of Delhi Police has also issued instructions to district DCPs for random checking of shops and godowns to prevent illegal sale of foreign origin fire crackers. Sale of only Indian made fire crackers are permitted by the licensees, police said.
"Immediate action will be taken against the sellers in case of violation of the instructions. The licensees will be apprised about the instructions by the local police. Even for Indian origin crackers, the norms under the Explosive Rules will be followed," said Praveer Ranjan, joint commissioner of police, Licensing.
Local police has also been instructed to ensure that use of fire crackers be stopped after 10 PM.

"The DCPs have been asked to submit a compliance report in this regard. In view of the upcoming Diwali festival, it is obligatory for all the districts to comply with all the directions to prevent air and noise pollution in Delhi," he added.