Tirupati: The firecracker market in Tirupati is witnessing a surge this Diwali season, with sellers reporting robust profits. However, steep prices are dampening the festive spirit for middle- and lower-income families as firecrackers become increasingly costly. The price hike has raised concerns over the accessibility of Diwali celebrations, a festival traditionally enjoyed by all.In recent years, relaxed licensing policies have fuelled an increase in firecracker stalls, with many vendors operating year-round on temporary permits, often bypassing regulatory checks. Weak enforcement has led to rule violations, raising safety concerns as seasonal demand spikes. “It’s alarming to see so many shops with minimal safety measures. The risk of accidents is always on our minds, especially after what happened in the 2009 incident,” said S Priya, a resident of Puttur.Firecracker storage and sale safety issues are not new to this region. A major incident in 2009 in Pallipattu, near the Andhra border, highlighted the dangers of poor storage conditions, resulting in 32 casualties. This tragedy prompted stricter safety protocols, mandating that firecracker warehouses be located away from residential areas, use concrete structures, and maintain automatic water systems and fire extinguishers. However, compliance remains inconsistent, with only a few establishments meeting these standards.In Tirupati and Chittoor districts, only two traders hold official wholesale licences, yet many vendors operate without permits, allegedly relying on bribes to bypass regulations. Temporary and old permit holders in areas such as Karvetinagaram, Ramapuram, and Tirupati rural openly sell crackers, exposing regulatory gaps. “We have made the rules clear, and disregard for them is unacceptable. Those flouting the rules will face strict penalties, and enforcement will be intensified,” stated a senior district official.While green firecrackers, introduced by the Supreme Court in 2018, aim to reduce pollution, their 30-40% higher price than traditional options limits their appeal. Customers prefer the variety of conventional firecrackers, with budget constraints influencing their choices. Adding to the regulatory challenges, many vendors avoid issuing bills to evade taxes, with officials mandating adherence to invoicing requirements to ensure compliance. However, violations remain common, underscoring enforcement challenges in Tirupati and Chittoor districts.
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