With Diwali fast approaching, thousands of firecracker stalls across Gujarat are yet to receive their mandatory fire safety No Objection Certificates (NOCs) due to confusion over which authority is responsible for granting them.
Initially, a circular issued on September 9, 2025, by the Home Department gave police commissioners the power to issue firecracker licenses and NOCs for units under 500 square metres. However, the Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay later pointed out that the police lacked the technical expertise and manpower needed for fire safety inspections, recommending that the task be handed back to the Fire Department.
Following his recommendation, the Urban Development Department issued a new circular restoring the Fire Department’s authority to issue fire safety certificates—both for larger units (above 500 sq m) and smaller shops.
Meanwhile, firecracker sales have already started in full swing across Ahmedabad, especially in busy markets such as Raipur Darwaza and Delhi Darwaza, where an estimated 3,000 outlets—from roadside stalls to big stores—are operating without final clearance.
With just days left for Diwali, officials face a tough challenge of inspecting all these outlets in time. The delay has sparked concerns over fire safety compliance, as experts warn that last-minute approvals could lead to lapses during the festive rush.