UP Police launch 15-drive to avert Behta-like blasts | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Acting on the directives of director general of police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna, the Uttar Pradesh Police launched a 15-day special campaign to curb incidents of explosions in illegal firecracker factories and warehouses across the state.The campaign, supervised by additional DGP (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash, mandates strict inspections and preventive action. All licensed firecracker units will be inspected by joint teams of circle officers, sub-divisional magistrates, station house officers, and fire services officials. Videography of inspections will be done and verified by senior officials, including ADMs, SPs, DIGs, Commissioners, and District Magistrates. DGP Krishna said that ensuring fire safety preparedness is crucial, especially against chemical fires. He emphasised reviewing emergency response mechanisms and worker training. “Checking for child labour and taking immediate legal action if detected should be done. Officials must gather intelligence on unauthorised factories, storage, or transport through police and revenue units. Immediate closure and legal action against illegal units must be ensured,” he said. The DGP directed the officials to ensure that storage and sale of firecrackers takes place only at licensed premises, marked clearly and located away from congested residential or market areas. He also stressed protecting small or part-time vendors from unnecessary harassment during inspections. The police directive also makes officials personally accountable: if any explosion or fire incident occurs in the future, responsibility will be fixed on the concerned beat in-charge, SHO, or supervising officers, and disciplinary/legal action will follow. Senior police officials stressed that the campaign is aimed not only at preventing tragedies like recent firecracker explosions but also at enforcing accountability and ensuring safe practices ahead of the festive season.
