Vikash Sharma

Cuttack: Licences will be issued by the Commissionerate Police for setting up temporary firecracker shops for the upcoming Diwali, the festival of lights, in Cuttack.

Cuttack DCP Prateek Singh told reporters on Monday that the Commissionerate Police will soon identify places where the temporary shops selling firecrackers would come up in different parts of the city.

It is pertinent to mention here that Commissionerate Police has been issuing temporary licences for the setting up of firecrackers shops in open places, mostly on playgrounds and roadsides in the city. Such arrangements have traditionally been made for ensuring safety during the sale of the crackers.

“We had recently called a meeting where it was decided to issue licenses for firecracker shops while adhering to the procedure. However, the shops will have to ensure that there is no crowding and all COVID-19 guidelines are strictly followed,” said Singh.

Meanwhile, Singh said that elaborate security arrangements have been made for Kali Puja, permission for which has been granted. Around 15 platoons of police force, supervised by 50 senior officials, will be deployed during the Puja. All puja committees have been apprised of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and High Court’s direction pertaining to the COVID-19 guidelines. At police station level awareness is also being created to sensitise the personnel,” he added.

“The arrangements which were in place for Durga Puja and immersions will be followed during Kali Puja. Different time slots will be allotted for different puja committees to conduct immersions. We appeal people to observe the festival by strictly following the COVID-19 norms,” Singh added.

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