Manufacturers of fireworks fear losses

Mumbai: The Supreme Court imposing stringent rules on sale and use of fire crackers ahead of Diwali is likely to impact sales of the mostly unorganised industry that is around Rs 20,000 crore per annum.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that only firecrackers with reduced emission and decibel levels will be allowed to sell during all festivals that too with strict time limits.

On Diwali, firecrackers could be burst between 8 pm and 10 pm, while people can burst firecrackers on the Christmas and the New Year days between 11:55 pm and 12:30 am, the apex court ruled.

It also stated categorically that crackers cannot be sold online and warned of strict punishment for any violation.

“Annual fire cracker sales amount to Rs 15,000-20,000 crore, of which at least Rs 5,000 crore come from Chinese imports. The apex court order will definitely impact sales, but is difficult to quantify losses as the industry operates mostly unorganised,” Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general of the Confederation of All-India Traders told PTI.

He also indicated that crackers are sold through permanent traders and also by those with temporary licences ahead of Diwali.

“We appeal to government to expedite the issue of temporary licences so as to help part-time/temporary sellers of firecrackers to liquidate their stocks,” he added.

Crackers imported from China, he said, are more toxic and the apex court ruling aimed at improving the quality of air during the festival season is a good move.