Diwali celebrations in the state are set to ignite with a significant boost in firecracker production and sales. According to a spokesperson of the All Bengal Fireworks Makers and Sellers Organisation, the fireworks industry in the state is set to surpass the sales figure of Rs 8,000 crore achieved during last year’s festive season. The industry aims to achieve a turnover of Rs 15,000 crore this year.
Jointly organised by the state government and the organisation, lakhs of visitors flocked to the 72 ‘Bazi Bazaars’ (fireworks markets) held across the state since October 1, organisation chairman Babla Roy, told mediapersons, further adding that 20 such fairs were held in north Bengal. Last year, 52 such fairs were held across the state.
“This year, we are witnessing a higher demand, leading to an increased number of Bazi Bazaars,” Roy said, adding that, “Approximately 100 Bazi Bazaars are authorized to sell crackers, a significant jump from last year’s 52. This growth is a much-needed relief for the lakhs of people dependent on this industry.”
The decision to organise the ‘Bazi Bazaars’ was made at a recent meeting attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and representatives of the fireworks industry at the state secretariat, Nabanna. While many district fairs have concluded by October third week, several—including the fair at Sahid Minar Maidan and two others in the northern and southern parts of the city—will continue until October 31.
The state government has permitted the Bazi Bazaars to operate in various locations, including the main venue at Shahid Minar Grounds, Behala, Kalikapur near EM Bypass, Tala Park in North Kolkata, and mega marts in Kolkata, Howrah, Siliguri, and Barasat. The state will provide designated spaces for fireworks sellers and manufacturers in each district to store unsold crackers, following safety protocols.
Currently, the firecracker industry in the state employs over 3.10 lakh people, encompassing manufacturers, labourers, distributors, and sellers.
The state government’s green firecracker initiative, launched last year, has led to 232 approved licensed manufacturing units and over 14,800 trained workers, prioritizing safety and environmental sustainability. “We have trained 200 people in making green fireworks, and plan to train another 1,000 after Kali Puja/Diwali,” Roy said, asserting that the association and the state are working together to prevent clandestine sale of unapproved firecrackers.
According to Roy, all fireworks must carry the certification mark of either the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) or the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), the two authorised central agencies.
Additionally, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board has also been actively involved in promoting the use of green firecrackers.
In a recent meeting, with the police authorities, housing committees, and NGOs, implementation of High Court orders over green firecrackers was discussed.
“While the increasing demand for firecrackers presents an opportunity for economic growth, it also poses challenges related to safety and environmental concerns. Balancing these factors will be crucial…,” said an environment expert.
WBPCB officials along with the administration and police, are visiting the fairs daily to ensure that only green fireworks are sold.
“We are testing crackers. The labels on products can be scanned to confirm they belong to the green category and bear certifications from the central agencies. Items failing to meet the 125-decibel limit are being confiscated and destroyed,” a senior WBPCB official said.
— With PTI
Fire crackers market at Sahid Minar, Kolkata on Tuesday. (Express photo by Partha Paul) 
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