Mahakalapada: Illegal firecracker manufacturing units have allegedly been operating in Mahakalapada block of Kendrapada district for years, raising serious concerns over public safety and alleged administrative inaction.
Despite safety requirements and the need for permissions from the tehsil office, fire services, district administration and local police, firecrackers are reportedly being manufactured in residential areas without adhering to prescribed safety guidelines.
Manufacturing units are required to operate in secure premises at least 2 km from residential areas.
However, local residents allege that traders have been flouting these norms and carrying out firecracker production in densely populated neighbourhoods.
The risks are not new.
In 2007, a father and son from Bagagahan village under Kansar-Badadandua gram panchayat died at the site while assembling firecrackers following an accident.
Despite the tragedy, residents allege that manufacturing continues openly in the village. Locals have also alleged that firecracker-making materials are being transported from Kolkata in private buses, raising further questions about the monitoring of the trade.
In another incident, a powerful explosion occurred June 4 this year while firecrackers were being assembled at Ostar village under Teragaon gram panchayat.
Two workers sustained injuries, while the house was completely gutted. Residents have also raised concerns over the unchecked opening and operation of firecracker shops in the area.
Intellectuals and local people have accused the police of failing to take adequate action against illegal manufacturing and sales.
Demanding immediate intervention, residents have urged the district administration to prohibit unauthorised firecracker manufacturing in residential areas and ensure strict enforcement of safety regulations.
When contacted, Kendrapada District Collector Raghuram R Iyer said appropriate measures would be taken in the interest of public safety.
