Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) issued licenses to 510 stalls for selling crackers in Vizag city and Anakapalle town during Diwali. The permissions were granted on the condition that safety measures will be taken by retail traders while setting up the makeshift stalls.
The stalls will come up at designated places—Andhra University Engineering college ground (Maddilapalem), AS Raja college ground (MVP Colony), Gajuwaka, Gopalapatnam, Madhurawada and Anakapalle.
“In view of Diwali, 510 licenses have been issued in GVMC limits so far after 536 applications were received for setting up temporary cracker stalls. The sale of crackers will commence on Tuesday (Oct 29) and will continue till Oct 31 (Diwali),” said Y Hanumantha Rao, regional fire officer of GVMC.
Compared to last year’s Diwali, the number of stalls increased by over 50 this year as some of the youngsters are setting up stalls, he added.
“We have procured new types of green crackers to draw the attention of buyers, especially children. Normally, children are more attracted towards flowerpots, ground spinners, sparkles, poppers, and others than bombs,” said P Raju, a retail trader in Vizag city.
“Compared to previous year, the price of the crackers increased by 10 to 15 percent this Diwali. We are expecting a brisk business and some good profits this year as the dry weather may boost the sales,” he added.
Meanwhile, in Vijayawada city, over 300 sellers have obtained licenses for setting up stalls. Similarly, Tirupati, Kurnool and few other cities and towns in the state have geared up for setting up of firecracker stalls.
“A packet of sparklers that was sold for 150 last year, is now sold for 170. A family pack box of crackers which costed 1,200, now costs 1,400. The price of 1,000 wala, which is in high demand, is hovering above 800 this year. The youngsters prefer to purchase sound crackers while children love to burst lighting crackers,” said Tagore, a retail trader in Vizag.
“Prices of the crackers have not increased much compared to last year,” he added.
GFX
SPOTLIGHT ON GREEN CRACKERS
Cracker prices shot up by 10-15%
510 retail firecracker stalls set up in Vizag city
Each trader procured crackers worth Rs 6-10 lakh
Crackers to be sold from Oct 29 to Oct 31
Weathermen predict ‘mostly clear sky’ on Diwali Day
Green crackers risen to the fore this year
1,000 wala crackers on high demand
