Few takers for firecrackers this year

AHMEDABAD, Nov 2: Hello 2000, Kargil War, Taal, Cleopatra, Millennium Launcher, Taste the Thunder -- all these and many more can be seen ...

AHMEDABAD, Nov 2: Hello 2000, Kargil War, Taal, Cleopatra, Millennium Launcher, Taste the Thunder 8212; all these and many more can be seen piled in makeshift stalls these days. For the uninitiated, these are the new crackers launched to make the last Diwali of the millennium special8217;. The shops in Dilli Darwaza have geared up to meet the demands of a possible shopping bonanza.

However, according to traders, the market is slack this year when compared to the previous years. Salim Abdul Karim, a firecracker retailer in Dilli Darwaza says, 8220;The sales have not picked up till now, unlike previous years when the demand used to be much greater in the few days before Diwali. The demand is slack this year.8221;

Salim said the general recession in the market was partially responsible for the slack demand. Also, the truckers8217; strike had created a short supply of firecrackers triggering off a price hike.

Kalubhai Karewala, firecracker retailer for 25 years now, says, 8220;There has also been a general decrease in demand from the upper class. They think lighting crackers is a waste of money.8221; However, he feels the demand will pick up in the next few days as people will get their salaries and bonus by then.

Mahendra Shah who sells crackers in the Raipur Chakla area is optimistic. 8220;Though the sales have not yet picked up, it will peak in the days to come,8221; he said. Another trader Kalpesh Patel also feels that the new products would certainly attract buyers.

However, the danger posed by the firecrackers sold on the footpaths and on handcarts cannot be overlooked as they do not have the requisite licences issued by the Municipal Corporation. Lack of licence translates to lack of any preventive measure like fire extinguishers and sand to reduce the impact of any untoward incident. These vendors are more susceptible to accidents while moving from one locality to another. Even on the roadside they are vulnerable as any carelessly thrown lighted bidi or match stick is a potential threat not only to the people around but also to vehicles plying on the road.

Mehboob Hamid sells crackers without the required licence, but finds no problem in operating as because he meets8217; the police officer concerned at the beginning of the month. Another vendor on the adjoining thela8217; did not mention his name but added, 8220;We have to pay to any corporation official and area inspector who comes on rounds8217; to check8217;.8221;

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The chief fire officer, Ahmedabad, when asked about the threat posed by these vendors said, 8220;This does not fall under our jurisdiction. Traffic police are responsible for it.8221; Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic Sameeulah Ansari said, 8220;The licences are issued and later monitored by the respective police stations. There may be some laxness in proper enforcement but we do try our best.8221;