Firecracker stalls being set up at the Andhra University (AU) Football Grounds near the Outgate in Visakhapatnam on Friday. | Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK The city, which was hyped up with election-related buzz, is gearing up for Deepavali, with more than 300 temporary firecracker stalls being set up across Visakhapatnam.
However, the usual venue at the Andhra University (AU) Engineering College Grounds will not host the stalls this year, as the premises have been occupied for the much-awaited CII Partnership Summit scheduled to be held from November 13, 2026.In view of this, the Fire Department has identified two alternative locations within the AU campus, one near the Polamamba Temple and the other near the Football Ground, close to the AU out-gate, for setting up the firecracker stalls. Apart from these locations, stalls are also being established at Adarsha Grounds in Gajuwaka, Pendurthi, Sujatha Nagar, Madhurawada, Kailasagiri, and a few other locations across the city.GVMC Regional Fire Officer B.
Ramprakash said that approximately 300 temporary stalls had been granted permission so far after scrutinising the applications, verifying the details and ensuring that the prescribed requirements were met. The two AU grounds together would accommodate around 150 to 160 stalls, while the remaining stalls would be distributed across different locations in the city.Meanwhile, the authorities have stressed the need for strict adherence to fire safety regulations to prevent accidents during the festival.
In Anakapalli district, where earlier, untoward incidents were reported leading to loss of life due to unauthorised storage and manufacturing of firecracker, Superintendent of Police Tuhin Sinha directed police officials to conduct extensive field-level inspections of firecracker manufacturing units, storage godowns, and temporary sales outlets to ensure that traders comply with safety norms.The SP said that traders must obtain temporary licences from the concerned departments before storing or selling firecrackers and purchase stocks only from authorised wholesale dealers. He warned that violations, including unauthorised storage and sale of firecrackers in residential areas, would invite criminal cases and stringent legal action.Apart from fire safety, eye-care experts have cautioned people, particularly children, against injuries caused by firecrackers.
Eye injuries can range from irritation and surface abrasions to corneal damage, internal bleeding, traumatic cataracts, retinal injuries and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss. Even bystanders who are not actively bursting crackers are vulnerable.Consultant ophthalmologist, Dr.
Shilpa Tarini from L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), GMR Varalakshmi Campus, said that a few simple precautions could help ensure safe and joyful celebrations.
She advised people to gently rinse the eye with clean water or saline if debris entered it, without attempting to remove any lodged foreign object. The injured eye should be kept closed and protected with a clean, dry cloth or eye shield, without applying pressure.
Immediate medical attention should be sought from an eye-care professional or emergency department.The Railway, police, and APSRTC officials have urged people not to transport any firecrackers in public vehicles. Meanwhile, the Railways will run special trains for people in the view of Deepavali rush.
Published - November 06, 2026 08:56 pm IST