No crackers this Deepavali in Vizag VISAKHAPATNAM: This year, the cyclone-hit Vizag will not burst crackers to celebrate Deepavali. The State government has decided to deny trade licences to dealers, considering the fact that the city is sitting on a stockpile of over 10 lakh damaged trees and dry branches in the aftermath of Hudhud, which might ignite fire mishaps.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has asked the police department not to issue the trade licences for the annual sale of crackers in the port city. 'Let people lit up the city with candles and lights.
Bursting crackers might result in fire mishaps as the entire city is full of dry trees and leaves. We urge people to cooperate with us and the government is trying to make arrangements even to distribute the required candles/earthen lamps,' the Chief Minister said.
AP Director General of Police JV Ramudu issued orders to the city police to deny permission for setting up cracker shops. It is learnt that orders have been issued to register cases against those who are selling crackers on the sly and if any fire mishap occurs due to bursting of crackers, the police are likely to book cases against those who burst them.
Not surprisingly, many Vizagites are not interested in celebrating crackers during the festival of lights. 'What is there to celebrate? Many people are suffering due to absence of basic amenities. It is better to contribute the expenditure for celebrating Deepavali to help someone who suffered damages in the cyclone,' said K Ramakrishna, a teacher at HB Colony.
Inmates of his apartment are planning to take up repairs to the building instead of spending the amount on crackers. Nearly 300 firecracker stalls dot the city during Deepavali every year. It is learnt that each stall has paid Rs 1 lakh to the suppliers about four months ago. Shop owners are lamenting that the government's decision would cause them immense loss.
'We understand the situation and also sympathise with people hit by the cyclone. But denying permission to sell crackers would cause huge loss,' bemoaned K Venkataramana, a retailer.
News Posted: 19 October, 2014
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