Nagpur,India: Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is making efforts to maintain a pollution-free environment in the city. However, air and noise pollution could rise during Diwali as 844 firecracker shops have been approved, though this is nine fewer than in the previous year.

However, these efforts may not be enough to curb pollution. According to the NMC Fire Department, the highest number of approved firecracker shops in the last decade was 982 in 2016, when the city had only 8 fire stations. By 2019, the Trimurti Nagar fire station was added, and currently, there are 11 fire stations, with new centers recently established in Punapur and Wathoda.

In this context, nine fire stations issued NOCs for firecracker shops. The Sakkardara fire station approved the highest number, with 174 shops, while Kalamna Fire Station approved the fewest, at 18 shops. Additionally, over 100 shops were approved by the Lakadganj, Trimurtinagar, and Civil Lines fire stations. A total of 1,086 applications were received, but 242 were rejected due to safety and other concerns. The fire department generated more than Rs 30 lakh in revenue from issuing these NOCs.

Chief Fire Officer B.P. Chandankhede emphasized that strict adherence to fire safety measures is required for approving firecracker shops. Shops were only approved after thoroughly reviewing all regulations. Additionally, licenses can be immediately revoked if any rules are violated.