NMC Fire Department on High Alert Ahead of Diwali; Crackdown on Illegal Firecracker Shops Begins

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As Diwali approaches, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Fire Department has intensified its vigilance to prevent fire-related accidents during the festival of lights. With thousands of firecracker shops operating across the city, officials have cautioned that even a minor lapse could lead to a major disaster.

City-Wide Inspection Drive from Friday

Starting Friday, the Fire Department will launch a comprehensive inspection across Nagpur to identify and take action against unauthorized firecracker vendors. While 828 licensed shops have been approved to operate this year, numerous unregistered outlets are believed to be functioning without proper safety compliance.Strict measures, including legal proceedings, will be initiated against violators once official notices are served. The drive focuses especially on shops in densely populated commercial areas to ensure full adherence to fire safety norms.

Emergency Preparedness at Peak

To handle any potential emergencies, the department has thoroughly inspected 66 firefighting vehicles, including eight new fire tenders recently added to the fleet. Additionally, all firefighter leaves have been cancelled from October 20 to 26 to maintain full manpower during the festival.

Persistent Staff Shortages Challenge Readiness

Despite the city’s expanding boundaries, the Fire Department continues to face a critical shortage of personnel. Of the 870 sanctioned positions, only 125 are permanent staff, supplemented by 55 contractual firemen, 57 interns, and over 60 assistants from other departments.Officials acknowledge that while they strive to maintain operational readiness, the manpower shortfall poses challenges in ensuring prompt response across all fire zones.

The Fire Department urges citizens and traders to cooperate fully by adhering to safety protocols and purchasing fireworks exclusively from authorized sellers to ensure a safe and incident-free Diwali celebration.