India, Nov. 3 -- The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started action against unauthorised firecracker stalls operating on footpaths, roads and in densely populated areas ahead of Diwali. The move follows a warning from its disaster management department regarding the risk of fire and loss of life at outlets operating without fire safety compliance.

This year, the civic body permitted 184 firecracker stalls at 11 designated locations through an auction process. However, several unauthorised outlets have appeared across the city, including crowded areas such as Sadashiv Peth, Yerawada, Lohegaon, along Sinhagad Road and in narrow lanes. Some have reportedly occupied footpaths and roads, while tree branches have been cut to make space fo...