Bengaluru: Chief Minister said that Government has taken this issue seriously and directed officers to take all precautionary measure to prevent such incidents.
On Tuesday, the officers explained to the Chief Minister that Circle Inspector has submitted the report with photographs. Superintendent of Police has forwarded this report to the Deputy Commissioner. Based on the Report Deputy Commissioner has given the license. Deputy Commissioner has also obtained report from tahasildar too, they said.
Chief Minister told the officers to take utmost precautions while issuing license under explosive act. He asked, who is responsible for these 14 lives? Officers must ensure that all safety measures are taken, and all the conditions are fulfilled. The senior officers must examine whether the report is appropriate and then take decision to issue license, he said.
He asked the officers to inspect the safety measures taken in all the shops there and he also directed Deputy Commissioner and SP to do spot inspection while giving license under explosive Act. It was brought to his notice that, permit was not given for Godown at all. License was given only to sell firecrackers there.
Chief Minister instructed the officials to make spot inspection at firecracker shops and all Godowns across the state and should take action against the shops and Godowns on violation/ non-compliance of guidelines and safety measures.
In Bengaluru city license is being issued for 5 years obtaining NOC from BBMP, Electricity Company, Fire Services Department, Traffic police and Law and Order division of police department. But while renewing the license the explosives controller doesn’t seek NOCs again and Chief Minister directed officers to write to the Union Government to make amendments to these rules to ensure safety. He also directed the rules under the jurisdiction of the State Government be amended.
He asked officials to be vigilant about the transport of firecrackers in the border area of Attibele-Hosur. He also directed strict compliance with Supreme Court orders regarding usage of firecrackers and also directed to ensure sale of only green firecrackers.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar suggested to ban firecrackers in political congregations and marriage processions for safety reasons.