Vigil at Delhi borders to prevent inflow of illegal crackers

With the festive season of Diwali nearing, strict vigil is being maintained along the Loni and Tughlakabad borders of Delhi to prevent inflow of illegal crackers, especially the Chinese-manufactured ones.
The Delhi government along with Delhi Police and civic bodies are working towards ensuring that the city witnesses a safe and pollution-free Diwali.
"Strict vigil is being maintained at Loni and Tughlakabad borders to prevent inflow of illegal crackers, especially the Chinese crackers. Extra police force has already been deployed to keep a check on containers entering the city," a Delhi government official said.
In a recently held meeting, Licensing Department of Delhi Police was asked to provide licenses to shopkeepers adhering to the guidelines and orders governing the manner in which they should be sold.

"Those processing licenses are being asked to strictly follow the Explosive Act, 2008 rules to avert untoward incidents. If one wants to sell mixed crackers even up to 100 kg or higher quantity are required to have a fireworks license," the official said.
Further, the licensing department has been asked not to issue licenses to those shopkeepers who have dwelling units above their shop. Each cracker shop owner has been asked to display the license at their shops.

"Also, we will ensure that people don't burst crackers after 10 PM. This will help in checking the pollution," an official from the Environment department said.

Sub-divisional magistrates have been asked to seek the cooperation of market trader associations and resident welfare associations (RWAs) to comply with Supreme Court directives regarding noise pollution.
Government recently has banned the sale and use of Chinese crackers on the grounds that they don't meet the required standards. These crackers have a high potassium chlorate content, which makes production cheaper but hazardous.