In view of the upcoming Diwali festival, a consultative meeting was held on 15.10.2025 at 5:00 PM at the Thittagudi Sub-Divisional Office, under the leadership of Thiru. G. Parthiban, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thittagudi Sub-Division. The meeting focused on ensuring safety measures among firecracker shop owners operating within the limits of Thittagudi Sub-Division police stations.
During the session, detailed instructions and safety guidelines were issued to all licensed cracker shop owners to strictly adhere to the Tamil Nadu Explosives Rules, 1963, and government safety regulations. Only shops with valid licenses are permitted to sell crackers within the sub-division. Each shop must prominently display copies of their license, the owner’s photograph, and details of the permitted quantity of crackers for public view.
Owners were instructed not to store or sell quantities exceeding the approved limits and to maintain a minimum of two 200-litre water barrels and four sand buckets ready for use in case of fire emergencies. Two trained personnel must be assigned to handle safety measures at all times. The storage of fireworks must strictly follow approved limits, and any additional stock must be kept in a designated, secure godown.
Smoking or lighting any open flames, candles, or fire-producing electrical devices near cracker shops is strictly prohibited. Warning boards must be displayed prominently, and children should not be allowed to handle or sell crackers. Shops must have separate entry and exit points and be constructed using fire-resistant metal sheets. No cracker shops should be located under staircases, near elevators, or below residential areas. Shops should be set up at least 10 feet inside from the main road without obstructing public movement or traffic.
Firecracker sales near marriage halls, schools, residential buildings, gas godowns, and petrol bunks are strictly banned. Cracker boxes must be sold in their original packaging as provided by manufacturers, and loose or broken crackers must not be sold. Proper disposal methods should be followed for damaged items. All electrical wiring, fittings, and switches should meet quality standards to avoid short circuits, with main switches and circuit breakers installed outside the shop premises.
Owners must ensure easy movement for customers and maintain clear exit routes for emergencies. At the end of each day, power connections must be switched off before closing the shop. All unnecessary waste materials must be cleared regularly to prevent fire hazards. Each shop must display Do’s and Don’ts boards (size 6×4) in front of the shop and distribute safety pamphlets to customers. Chinese crackers are banned, and bursting crackers near shops is not allowed.
Shop owners must cooperate fully with inspection teams from the Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Revenue Department, and Electricity Board. Contact numbers of these departments must be displayed inside every shop. Employment of child labor is strictly prohibited, and cracker sales after 10:00 PM are not allowed.
It was also emphasized that any violation of these safety conditions would result in license cancellation and legal action against the shop owner. They would be held fully responsible for any loss of life or property resulting from their negligence.
The meeting concluded with a firm reminder that public safety during Diwali celebrations is a shared responsibility, and all firecracker sellers must strictly adhere to the prescribed safety norms.
— G. Parthiban, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thittagudi Sub-Division
