The preparations for the temporary firecracker market in Jalandhar have moved forward, with the district administration conducting a lucky draw to allot licences to traders ahead of Diwali. The market will be set up at village Raowali on Pathankot Road, where 20 traders have been selected for temporary firecracker shops from around 410 applicants.
The lucky draw was conducted on Monday at the Red Cross Bhawan in the presence of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Amaninder Kaur. Along with the 20 selected applicants, two additional names were drawn as reserve applicants in case any of the selected traders' licences are cancelled.
410 Applicants Compete for 20 Temporary Shop Licences
According to the administration, around 410 traders had applied for permission to set up temporary firecracker shops during the festive season. Following the lucky draw, licences were issued to the 20 selected traders.
ADC Amaninder Kaur said two additional applicants were also selected as backups. They may be considered if the licence of any of the 20 selected traders is cancelled.
The administration has directed all licensed traders to strictly follow the prescribed rules and safety guidelines while operating their shops.
Fire Safety Arrangements Made Mandatory
To prevent accidents at the temporary market, traders have been instructed to maintain essential fire safety arrangements at their respective shops.
These include buckets filled with sand, water tanks and fire extinguishers outside every shop. Officials have emphasised that compliance with safety standards is mandatory and that negligence will not be tolerated.
Court Petition Delayed Preparations by Six Days
Meanwhile, firecracker market association president Vikas Bhandari said preparations for the market had been delayed by around six days after the village sarpanch approached the court with a petition regarding the market.
According to Bhandari, the matter was subsequently resolved through mutual agreement, following which the petition was withdrawn. However, the delay has affected the preparations, and the shops are yet to be fully set up.
Traders Raise Concerns Over Location and Recovery
The association has also raised concerns over the difficulties faced by traders in finding suitable locations for the temporary firecracker market every year.
Bhandari said traders had faced parking-related problems during the previous year's market, which was spread across approximately three acres. He added that recovering the investment had also remained a challenge for traders.
To improve arrangements this year, the market is being planned across a larger area of approximately 13 acres at village Raowali.
However, traders remain concerned about recovering their costs, particularly with preparations having been delayed and only a limited number of days remaining before Diwali.
With the lucky draw completed and licences issued, the focus now shifts to completing the market arrangements and ensuring that all safety requirements are in place before the festive rush begins.
