Kurali, October 11, 2025 — Despite only 30 licences being issued for a five-year period, Kurali, Punjab’s largest firecracker hub, has reportedly become a tinderbox, with nearly 300 shops operating illegally. The market, which supplies crackers to Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh, is estimated to have an annual turnover exceeding ₹8 crore.
Firecrackers are being sold openly along Morinda Road, Chandigarh Road, and in the city’s main market in blatant violation of fire safety norms. Residents warn that tonnes of crackers are also being stored in residential houses, makeshift godowns, and unapproved establishments, posing a serious fire hazard.
“Most of these places are not authorised to store firecrackers. The authorities either have no idea about these illegal godowns or choose to ignore them for obvious reasons,” said Ajay Kumar, a local resident. He pointed out that several warehouses are located within densely populated areas along Kurali-Morinda Road, where even a small spark could trigger a major tragedy.
Mohali Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal confirmed that directives have been issued to the Kharar sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and the police department to crack down on unauthorised sale and storage. “Strict action will be taken against violators,” she said.
Another resident, Aman Sood, said that firecrackers have been stored recklessly near fuel stations, power grids, and narrow residential lanes, violating safety guidelines. “The number of illegal warehouses increases drastically two to three months before the festive season,” he added.
Sundar Lal Manju, president of the Kurali Firecracker Dealers’ Association, acknowledged the surge in unlicensed shops. “We will be writing to the police and SDM, urging them to take immediate action against illegal traders,” he said.
Amid growing safety concerns, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Kadian) staged a protest march in Kurali on Friday against the illegal trade. Led by district president Rasham Singh Badali, farmers marched from Morinda Road to the city’s main chowk, raising slogans against government inaction.
Union leaders alleged that firecracker regulations — including guidelines for green crackers, licensed storage, and fire safety — were being blatantly ignored. They warned that such unchecked storage near schools, homes, and power infrastructure could result in catastrophic incidents.
The protesters also raised concerns about traffic congestion on Morinda and Badali roads caused by the illegal market. “Farmers are not allowed to burn stubble, but the open trade of firecrackers — which releases toxic smoke — continues unchecked,” they said.
The farmers’ union issued a two-day ultimatum to authorities to act against illegal traders and resolve traffic issues. They warned that failure to comply would force them to park tractor trailers along Morinda Road to block traffic.
