Lucknow vigilant after Kollam fire: Orders public to seek permission for purchase and use of firecrackers

Lucknow:  Alarmed over the Kerala temple tragedy, Lucknow district administration has warned of strong action if permission was not taken for use of fire crackers during any social event, and made it mandatory for shopkeepers to ask for photo identity card of the purchasers. In a stern directive, District Magistrate Raj Shekhar said it was henceforth mandatory for the public to take written permission from local administration for display of fireworks on such occasions, especially marriages. The order will come into force from 21 April. The marriage season is also about to begin. [caption id=“attachment_2725842” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. AFP[/caption] The directive comes two days after a fireworks display went out of control at a temple in Kerala, leaving more than 100 people dead and hundreds others injured. The permission for use of fire crackers in any function will have to be taken under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) which prohibits any organisation or group from carrying any lethal items and explosives. According to the directives, the administration will grant permission only when the chief fire officer of the area submits a report that there is no threat of fire or risk to life due to the fireworks display at the venue. The directives also ask traders and shopkeepers to sell firecrackers only to people holding written permission from the authorities and made it necessary for them to maintain details of the purchasers, including the photo identity card. Permission will have to be taken from the owner and manager of the venue where display of fireworks is scheduled. The local magistrates will visit shops and godowns of fireworks sellers and stockists at least once a month and check their stocks and log books, the order said. If any traditional function is being organised at any resort, hotel, park or school ground, then the local police station in-charge will issue a no-objection certificate for use of fireworks after inspection of the site, it said. Not taking permission will invite legal action, the order said. Meanwhile, the firecrackers shop-owners association has agreed to the proposal and have assured the administration of full cooperation and compliance in the greater public interest.