Visakhapatnam: The port city has witnessed an expansion in firecracker retail this Diwali season, with 510 authorized stalls across major locations, marking an increase of 80 stalls compared to last year. The sales venues are strategically distributed across prominent locations, including Andhra University grounds, AS Raja Grounds, NAD flyover, and several other key areas in the city.The Andhra University grounds houses the largest concentration of vendors with 150 stalls, while the AS Raja Grounds features 33 shops offering a wide variety of firecrackers. Regional Fire Safety Officer Hanumanth Rao confirmed that the administration has approved 510 out of 536 applications, implementing strict safety protocols. All authorized stands are required to use fire-resistant materials and maintain fire extinguishers on premises.However, vendors report mixed market conditions. “Sales have improved compared to last year, and some brands have even reduced their prices,” says Nagendra, a wholesale and retail shop owner. In contrast, Ganesh, who operates a stall at AU grounds, presents a different picture, “The market is experiencing a downturn, with prices increasing by 10-15%.”Current prices range from Rs. 3,500 for 5000-wala crackers to Rs. 9,500 for 10,000-wala varieties. Basic items like sparklers are available at Rs. 180 per packet, while items such as toy snakes are priced between Rs. 40-60.The festival has also highlighted changing consumer attitudes. “I limit my purchases to sparklers worth Rs. 500 for my children, as spending more feels like burning money,” says Anjali, a customer at the grounds. Meanwhile, Ravi, another shopper, maintains the traditional outlook as “Diwali brings our family together, so I invest in a variety of crackers for celebration.”The authorized sale period started on October 29 and will continue till October 31, with stalls permitted to operate from early morning until 10 PM. Officials have emphasized adherence to safety regulations throughout the festive season.
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