Illegal manufacturing of crackers is rampant both in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts in spite of repeated raids. The policemen are on high alert after the death of nine workers in an accident on July 4 in a manufacturing unit in Warangal district. Following the seizure of crackers on July 11 near Korukonda village on the outskirts of Vizinagaram, G. Palaraju, SP, reportedly asked all the police stations to submit a report over the preventive steps. Vizianagaram has been a major wholesale market for the supply of crackers for the last 50 years. A major accident in a wholesale shop near Kanyakaparameswari temple in 1994 sent shock waves across the district resulting in 50 shops being shifted to the outskirts of Cantonment to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Many shop owners, who encouraged local manufacturing units, started importing them from reputed firms in Sivakasi of Tamil Nadu. However, a few traders are reportedly sponsoring units in Bobbili, Salur and other places leading to accidents. Two persons were killed in Paradi village of Bobbili mandal on September 18, 2012. In Srikakulam district, units are reportedly functioning illegally in Ponduru, Santakaviti and other mandals. One person lost his life and six received injuries in Maruvada village of Vangara mandal of Srikakulam district in February 2015. Srikakulam SP CM Thrivikrama Varma reportedly conducted a teleconference with all DSPs and CIs and directed them to crack down on the units. District Fire Officer Ch. Kripavaram told The Hindu that the department had issued licences to only four traders to sell crackers. “As soon as we get information about illegal manufacturing units, we are informing the police department which in turn takes action,” he said.

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