Police department makes GST licence mandatory for cracker shop NoCs

Hyderabad: For the first time, the police will issue No Objection Certificates (NoCs) to firecracker shops only after applicants submit a valid GST licence, along with the required documents.

While the Telangana Fire Services Department has granted 7,601 licences for setting up firecracker shops across the state, the police in Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Malkajgiri commissionerates are keeping a close watch on the locations selected for setting up the shops. They are also ensuring that the shops are established at designated and isolated locations to prevent untoward incidents.

Director General of Telangana Fire Services Vikram Singh Mann on Friday reviewed the arrangements made across the State to ensure the safe celebration of Diwali. He issued necessary instructions to departmental officials to remain vigilant and ensure strict implementation of fire safety measures during the festive season.

"As part of the Diwali safety awareness initiative, awareness campaigns were conducted in schools across Telangana to educate students on the safe use of firecrackers and the precautions to be taken while bursting them. A large number of children were sensitised to firecracker safety, helping promote awareness about the prevention of fire accidents and injuries," the Director General said.

The Telangana Fire Services Department has issued 7,601 firecracker-related licences across the State. The department is taking necessary measures to ensure compliance with prescribed safety norms and minimise the risk of fire-related incidents during the festive period.

Vikram Singh Mann urged the public to celebrate Diwali responsibly and adhere to all fire safety precautions. He advised people to purchase firecrackers only from authorised vendors, burst them in open spaces, maintain a safe distance, keep children under adult supervision and ensure that water or other suitable firefighting arrangements are readily available.

He also appealed to the public to avoid unsafe practices and cooperate with the Fire Services Department in preventing fire accidents and ensuring the safety of life and property.

Meanwhile, police officials in the respective commissionerates are also monitoring the process of setting up firecracker shops.

Although the Fire Services Department has issued licences, the police must also approve the shops and their premises after assessing safety and preventive measures.

Kukatpally Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ritiraj said the local police would be responsible for issuing NoCs to firecracker shops. Businessmen seeking to set up such shops must submit a valid GST certificate along with the relevant documents.

The concerned police officer will verify the documents before issuing the NoC.

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Mouli Mareedu

Mouli Mareedu