- Bhubaneswar Police have approved 250 licences out of approximately 550 applications received.
- Shops must maintain a 100-metre distance from sensitive locations and three metres between adjoining stalls.
- Only PESO-approved green crackers will be permitted, while online sales and prohibited high-noise varieties are banned.
Bhubaneswar, November 3, 2026: Bhubaneswar Police have tightened regulations on firecracker sales ahead of Diwali, approving 250 licences for temporary firecracker shops out of around 550 applications received so far.
The Commissionerate Police has identified more than 25 open grounds across the city for setting up temporary firecracker stalls. Sales by authorised vendors will be permitted only during the two days preceding Diwali.
The restrictions aim to prevent fire accidents, regulate unauthorised sales and ensure public safety during the festival.
250 Licences Approved for Firecracker Shops
According to the report, applicants seeking permission to sell firecrackers must submit Form AE-5 along with identity documents and other required clearances.
These include:
- No-objection certificate from the Fire Services Department.
- Permission from the landowner.
- Approval from the General Administration Department or Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).
- Police verification and clearance from the local police station.
Authorities have warned that operating a temporary firecracker shop without the necessary licence will invite legal action.
Strict Safety Rules for Temporary Stalls
Police have prescribed specific safety requirements for licensed firecracker shops.
Stalls must maintain a minimum distance of 100 metres from schools, markets, residential buildings and hospitals. A minimum gap of three metres must also be maintained between two adjoining shops.
The stalls must be constructed using tin sheets and equipped with fire extinguishers, buckets and sandbags.
The use of inflammable materials, gas lamps, candles and petroleum products at the stalls has been prohibited.
Only PESO-Approved Green Crackers Allowed
The police have directed vendors to sell only green crackers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
High-noise firecrackers, including chocolate bombs and other prohibited varieties, will not be permitted.
Online firecracker sales through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart have also been banned under the announced restrictions.
Bhubaneswar DCP Shravan Vivek M has warned that violations of the rules will attract penalties and legal action.
Police Concerned Over Unauthorised Firecracker Stalls
Despite the licensing restrictions, unauthorised firecracker stalls have reportedly appeared in some neighbourhoods.
Police are concerned about the risks associated with unlicensed sales and unsafe storage of fireworks. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against vendors operating outside the approved locations or violating safety requirements.
Residents have been advised to purchase firecrackers only from authorised shops and follow the prescribed safety instructions.
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