Festivities Of Diwali: Boom In Sale Of Firecrackers Industry Aims To Witness Double From Last Year's Turnover Of Rs 8000 Crore

WBPCB officials, along with the administration and police, visit the fairs daily to ensure that only green fireworks are sold.

The celebration of Diwali in the state is all set to instigate a prominent boost in firecracker production and sales. According to a spokesperson of the All Bengal Fireworks Makers and Sellers organization, the fireworks industry in the state is set to surpass the sales figure of Rs 8000 crore achieved during last year's festive season. The industry objective is to achieve a turnover of Rs 150000 crore this year.

Jointly organized by the state government and the organization, lakhs of travellers have flocked to the 72 Bazi Bazaars held across the state since October 1, organization chairman Babla Roy told media persons, further adding that 20 such fairs were held in North Bengal. Last year, 52 such fairs were also held across the state.

"This year, we are witnessing a higher demand leading to an increased number of Bazi bazaars," said Roy. He added, "Approximately 100 Bazi bazaars are authorized to sell crackers, a prominent jump from last year's 52. This growth is a much-needed relief for the laksh of people dependent on this industry."

The decision to organize the Bazi Bazaars was made at a current 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 this week, including the fair at Sahid Minar Maidan and two others in the northern and southern parts of the city, they 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 give designated spaces for fireworks sellers and manufacturers in each district to store unsold crackers following safety protocols. Recently, the firecracker industry in the state has employed over 3.10 lakh people, including 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 1000 after Kali Puja/Diwali," Roy said, focusing on the fact that the association and the state are working together to prevent the clandestine sale of unapproved firecrackers.

As per Roy, all fireworks must carry the certification mark of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization or the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, the two authorized central agencies. Adding to this, 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 committee, and NGOs, the 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 environmental expert.

#diwalicelebration #indiandfestivals #fireworks #environment #festivals #traditions #indianews #diwalinews