Patna, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Muzaffarpur district administration has intensified inspections of firecracker shops ahead of Diwali following a deadly explosion in Siwan that claimed five lives.
During a raid at the firecracker market near Garibnath Temple on Saturday, officials sealed five shops and seized a large quantity of firecrackers for alleged violations of safety regulations.
The operation was led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Anand Utsav and involved officials from the Fire Department.
A large police contingent was deployed at the site as the team inspected shops to assess compliance with prescribed safety standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The action triggered concern among firecracker traders, while a crowd gathered at the market during the inspection.
District Fire Officer Pragya Saran said the administration had received reports of safety violations at the market.
Acting on the information, a team visited the area and began inspecting the shops.
Saran said action was being taken against traders found violating the prescribed SOPs.
Officials were also informing shopkeepers about essential safety measures to minimise the risk of accidents during the festive season.
SDM Anand Utsav said the administration had received information that several shops were operating illegally and failing to comply with safety requirements.
A special team was subsequently formed to inspect the market, leading to the sealing of five shops and the seizure of firecrackers.
He said further action would be taken in accordance with the findings of the inspection.
The administration has directed traders to strictly follow all safety guidelines and warned against negligence in the storage and sale of firecrackers.
The intensified drive follows a deadly explosion in Siwan, where five people were killed after an explosion in a house that was used to store firecrackers. The blast caused a two-storey concrete house to collapse.
Preliminary reports indicated that a large quantity of cracker powder was stored at the premises.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of firecracker manufacturing, storage and sale in the run-up to Diwali, when demand for fireworks typically increases.
In response, the Muzaffarpur administration has stepped up checks to identify unauthorised shops and unsafe storage practices.
Officials are focusing on compliance with safety norms to reduce the possibility of fire and explosions in crowded market areas.
The administration said inspections and enforcement measures would continue, with traders instructed to ensure that all safety requirements are met to prevent similar incidents.
Source: IANS
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