Pune: PCMC Tightens Checks on Firecracker Stalls Ahead of Diwali, Says Open Spaces Not Allowed

Pimpri Chinchwad, 22nd October 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has warned traders against setting up firecracker stalls without obtaining the necessary permissions, including a no-objection certificate (NOC) from its fire brigade, ahead of Diwali.

With firecracker stalls beginning to come up across the city, the civic body has directed traders to obtain temporary permission from the respective ward office and clearance from the fire department before starting operations. Unauthorised stalls will face action, officials said.

So far, 23 applications have been received by the fire department for setting up firecracker stalls across the city, of which only one has been approved.

The fire department has also written to officials of all 10 ward offices, asking them to ensure that firecracker vendors comply with safety norms. Last year, despite a large number of stalls operating across the city, only 100 traders had obtained official permission from the civic body.

Deputy municipal commissioner and fire department chief Venkatesh Durvas has taken a strict stance this year following complaints about unauthorised firecracker stalls. Officials said such stalls pose a risk of fires, potentially resulting in loss of life and property.

The civic body will not permit firecracker stalls in open spaces. Permissions will be granted only for premises with reinforced cement concrete (RCC) construction and shuttered shops, officials said.

Ward officers have been directed to inspect firecracker stalls in their respective jurisdictions and initiate action against vendors operating without the required permissions or the fire department’s NOC. Traders have been advised not to begin selling firecrackers until all clearances are obtained.

The PCMC fire department charges between Rs2,000 and Rs2,500 for permission to set up a firecracker stall, depending on the location.

To prevent fire incidents, the civic body has advised stall operators to keep sand near their stalls, ensure that no bidis or cigarettes are lit in or around the premises, and avoid storing inflammable materials nearby. Children should be kept away from firecracker stalls, and arrangements should be made for a water supply of 1,000 to 5,000 litres.

Durvas said the civic body had instructed its encroachment department to take action against illegal stalls and urged traders to obtain the necessary permissions and comply with safety regulations before setting up shop.