In a sweeping crackdown on illicit firecracker factories, the Indore district government has closed six fireworks stores for operating without a license and failing to meet safety standards.
Speaking about the seal on outlets, Ashish Singh, District Magistrate of Indore, stated, “Following the instructions given by Chief Minister, a joint team of police and administration is being formed and checking is being done on firecracker factories, warehouses, and shops. They are also being sealed for not having a licence or not following safety standards. Six such institutions have been sealed.”
The crackdown on illicit fire manufacturers in Madhya Pradesh comes after a horrific blast and fire at a firecracker factory in Harda district that killed 11 people and injured 173.
On Tuesday morning, a large fire erupted inside a firecracker factory in the Bairagarh area of Harda district.
Due to the tremendous explosion, the entire neighborhood was shrouded in black smoke, with window glass of nearby residences and shops destroyed.
The catastrophe destroyed dozens of surrounding houses. Locals reported that it felt like an earthquake had struck Harda. The explosions also caused several automobiles to catch fire.
Earlier, authorities reported that three persons had been arrested in connection with the firecracker factory disaster.
Following the incident, MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared Rs 4 lakh in compensation for each of the fatalities, as well as free treatment for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences for the sad Harda factory blast and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister National Relief Fund to each of the deceased’s next of kin. He also pledged Rs 50,000 to the injured.