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With Diwali just days away, confusion over who is responsible for granting the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the sale and storage of firecrackers has led to controversy in Gujarat.
At the last minute, the state’s Urban Development Department has decided to once again hand over this authority to the Fire Department within municipal corporation areas.
On September 9, 2025, the Home department had issued a circular authorising police commissioners to grant firecracker licenses and fire safety NOCs to shops or units under 500 square metres.
However, the state Director General of Police Vikas Sahay pointed out that the police lacked the technical expertise and manpower required for such work, and suggested that the responsibility be returned to the Fire department.
Responding to this, the Urban Development Department has now released a fresh circular.
Under the new directive, the Fire department will once again oversee the process—issuing fire safety certificates for units larger than 500 square metres and fire safety NOCs for those smaller than 500 square metres.
Despite weeks of uncertainty from the authorities, firecracker sales have already begun across Ahmedabad.
Busy markets at Raipur Darwaza and Delhi Darwaza are witnessing heavy footfall, while an estimated 3,000 shops—ranging from roadside stalls and open grounds to small and large outlets—are already selling firecrackers throughout the city.
With barely a week left for Diwali, the pressing question remains: how will the Fire department inspect thousands of outlets and complete the NOC process in time?
The delay has raised serious concerns over safety and compliance, with fears that the festive season could see widespread violations of fire safety regulations due to the government’s indecisive handling of the issue.