Andhra Pradesh tightens fireworks safety rules after fatal blasts

Fire department workers douse a flame at a firecracker manufacturing complex in Vetlapalem village in Kakinada district. File | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

The Andhra Pradesh government has overhauled its fireworks safety, licensing and enforcement framework following explosions at fireworks manufacturing units in Rayavaram and Vetlapalem, introducing a system of centralised monitoring, risk-based inspections and stricter accountability for enforcement officials.

The reforms were notified through a government order dated November 7, 2026, issued by Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad, following the findings of inquiry committees, which pointed to fragmented enforcement and inadequate risk-based monitoring.

Under the new framework, the Director-General of the A.P. State Disaster Response and Fire Services has been designated as the State Nodal Authority to coordinate enforcement, conduct monthly inter-departmental reviews and submit compliance reports to the Home Department. District Collectors will function as nodal authorities at the district level, overseeing implementation and quarterly reviews.

The government has also ordered the establishment of a State Explosives and Fireworks Safety Cell within 30 days. It will maintain a digital register of fireworks manufacturing units, prepare risk-based inspection schedules, develop a Fireworks Risk Index and coordinate with the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

District Fireworks Safety Committees, headed by Collectors, will include officials from the police, fire services, revenue, factories, labour and pollution control departments. They will review licensed units and emergency preparedness at least once every quarter.

The licensing process for LE-1(a) units will be tightened through a two-stage system, involving provisional approval followed by a mandatory physical inspection after construction. The inspection must be supported by geo-tagged photographs and video evidence.

The government has set a six-month deadline for the RTGS and Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Department to operationalise an integrated online fireworks safety portal. It will track licences, approved layouts, CCTV feeds and stock movements, besides generating alerts on irregularities.

The new framework provides for immediate closure of units, seizure of materials and legal action in cases involving unlicensed operations, unauthorised chemical formulations, excess stock, unapproved equipment and obstruction of inspections.

The government has also made inspecting officers personally accountable for their certifications. Negligent inspections and suppression of violations will be treated as serious professional misconduct, inviting disciplinary and legal action.

The effectiveness of the new framework will depend on whether the prescribed inspections, digital monitoring and interdepartmental coordination translate into consistent enforcement on the ground.

CM reviews fire accidents in Rajam, Gannavaram and Tiruvuru

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday (November 9) reviewed three separate fire accidents reported in Rajam, Gannavaram and Tiruvuru, and directed officials to remain alert and take preventive measures.

A major fire broke out at an automobile showroom in Rajam of Vizianagaram district after firecrackers, reportedly burst during Deepavali celebrations, accidentally fell on the premises. The showroom was gutted, resulting in extensive property damage. Senior Fire Services officials informed the Chief Minister that fire personnel rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control.

In Gannavaram of Krishna district, sparks from firecrackers being burst nearby landed on a furniture shop, triggering a fire. Another shop in Tiruvuru was gutted in a fire caused by an electrical short circuit.

Mr. Naidu expressed concern over the property losses and instructed officials to ensure adequate precautions to prevent such incidents.

Published - November 09, 2026 03:43 pm IST