Illegal Firecracker Shop or Godown Near You? How to Report Sale and Storage Before Diwali 2026
Why illegal firecracker storage is a public safety concern
As Diwali approaches, temporary firecracker stalls and seasonal sales increase in many Indian cities. Fireworks are regulated products, and their sale and storage must comply with applicable licensing and safety requirements.
A shop operating without the required licence, or fireworks stored in an unsafe location, can create risks for nearby homes, shops, pedestrians and other businesses.
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, administers laws and rules governing explosives, including fireworks. Under the Explosives Rules, 2008, the LE-5 licence category covers possession and sale of fireworks from a shop, including specified temporary-shop arrangements. The applicable permissions and conditions depend on the activity and circumstances. Official PESO licensing information.
If you suspect illegal sale or unsafe storage near your neighbourhood, you can report the concern to the appropriate authorities. You do not need to investigate the premises yourself.
1 What should you look out for?
You may consider reporting a potential safety concern if you observe:
- Firecrackers being stored in a residential room, basement, garage or other location that appears unsuitable for explosive materials.
- Large quantities of fireworks being kept in a shop or building without apparent safety precautions.
- Firecrackers being sold from a temporary stall where the required permissions may be absent.
- Fireworks stored near open flames, cooking areas, electrical hazards or other potential ignition sources.
- Stock being transferred or handled in a way that creates an immediate risk to people nearby.
- A suspected fireworks storage location operating in circumstances that appear inconsistent with applicable licensing or safety conditions.
These are warning signs, not proof of a violation. Some temporary firecracker shops may be lawfully licensed, and an observer may not know the permitted quantities or conditions. The relevant authorities should verify the facts.
2 Where can you report a suspected illegal firecracker shop?
A. Local police station
Contact your nearest police station if you suspect unlicensed sale, unlawful storage or another possible offence involving fireworks.
Provide the location, the nature of your concern and any details that can help officers identify the premises. Ask for an acknowledgement or complaint reference, if available.
If you are in Bengaluru, approach the police station with jurisdiction over the location or use the official Karnataka Police channels for guidance.
B. Police emergency response — 112
If there is an immediate threat, such as smoke coming from a fireworks storage area, a fire, an explosion, or fireworks being handled in a dangerously unsafe manner, call 112.
India's Emergency Response Support System provides a unified emergency number for police, fire and other emergency assistance. Official 112 portal.
Do not wait to prepare a written complaint if people may be in danger.
C. Fire and emergency services
Contact the local fire and emergency service if you observe a fire hazard or an incident that requires a fire-safety response.
For an active emergency, call 112 and clearly explain that fireworks or suspected explosive materials are involved.
Do not enter the premises, attempt to move the stock or try to extinguish a fire involving fireworks yourself.
D. District administration and licensing authorities
If the issue concerns a suspected licensing violation or unsafe storage, you can also approach the District Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner or other competent district authority.
PESO's licensing-system guidance identifies District Magistrates, Additional District Magistrates and Commissioners of Police as authorities empowered to grant specified licences under the Explosives Rules, 2008. The competent authority depends on the licence and jurisdiction. PESO licensing-system FAQ.
E. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
For concerns relating to regulated explosives and fireworks, consult PESO's official website for the relevant office, jurisdiction and grievance channel.
Website: peso.gov.in
PESO is the national technical and regulatory organisation responsible for specified safety aspects of explosives, petroleum and related hazardous substances. It is not a substitute for calling emergency services when there is an immediate threat.
3 What information should you include in your complaint?
A useful complaint should make it easy for officials to locate the premises and understand the suspected risk.
Include the following, wherever possible:
- Exact location: Building name, street, landmark, area and PIN code.
- Nature of concern: Suspected unlicensed sale, potentially unsafe storage or another specific observation.
- Date and time: When you observed the activity and whether it appears to be continuing.
- Observable details: For example, cartons of fireworks stacked near an open flame or stock being stored in an apparently occupied residential building.
- Supporting evidence: Photographs or videos taken safely from a lawful public location, if available.
- Your contact details: If you are comfortable providing them and the complaint channel requests them.
- Previous complaint reference: If you have already reported the same concern.
Avoid speculation about the quantity, licence status or identity of the people involved unless you have reliable information.
Do not trespass, confront the seller, touch the stock or put yourself at risk to obtain evidence.
4 How to file a written complaint: a simple template
You can adapt the following complaint for the local police station or competent district authority.
Subject: Request to verify suspected unsafe storage or sale of fireworks before Diwali 2026
To
The Station House Officer / Competent Authority
[Police Station or Office Name]
[City and District]
Respected Sir/Madam,
I wish to bring to your attention a possible fireworks safety concern at the following location:
Location: [Complete address and nearby landmark]
Date and time observed: [Date and approximate time]
Details of the concern: [Describe only what you personally observed, such as fireworks being stored in a particular area or being sold from a suspected unauthorised location.]
I am concerned that the activity may pose a safety risk to residents, pedestrians or neighbouring establishments, particularly during the Diwali 2026 period.
I request the competent authorities to verify the facts, check the applicable licence and safety requirements, and take appropriate action if any violation is established.
I can provide further information about the location and observations, if required.
Kindly acknowledge this complaint and provide a reference number, where available.
Yours faithfully,
[Name, if provided]
[Contact details, if provided]
[Date]
Important: If there is an active fire or immediate danger, call 112 first rather than relying on a written complaint.
5 What happens after you report it?
Depending on the nature of the complaint and the applicable law, the authorities may:
- Record and assess the complaint.
- Identify the agency responsible for the premises or activity.
- Verify relevant licences and permissions.
- Inspect the premises or assess the reported safety concern, where appropriate.
- Take action under the applicable law if a violation is established.
An inspection, seizure, closure or prosecution is not automatic. The response depends on the facts, jurisdiction and findings of the competent authority.
Keep the acknowledgement or reference number and use the relevant official channel to follow up if necessary.
6 What should you do if the suspected godown is inside a residential area?
A building containing fireworks is not necessarily illegal solely because it is in a residential locality. The relevant question is whether the storage and activity comply with the applicable permissions, quantity limits, location requirements and safety conditions.
If you notice a potentially hazardous storage arrangement:
- Report the precise location and the facts you observed.
- Explain whether the building appears occupied or is close to homes, shops or public access areas.
- Mention visible hazards without entering the property.
- Call 112 if there is an immediate threat.
- Let the authorities determine whether the storage is authorised and compliant.
Do not circulate an unverified accusation naming a shopkeeper or property owner on social media. Report the concern through an appropriate official channel and allow the facts to be checked.
7 A citizen safety checklist before Diwali
Before the festival, take a few simple precautions:
- Save the emergency number 112 on your phone.
- Identify the local police station responsible for your area.
- Report specific and credible safety concerns promptly.
- Keep children away from suspicious stockpiles or unsafe premises.
- Avoid lighting fireworks near storage areas or temporary stalls.
- Do not touch abandoned fireworks or unknown explosive materials.
- Share verified official safety information with your housing society or neighbourhood group.
PESO also publishes public guidance on firecracker safety and purchasing fireworks from reliable sellers with the required licence. PESO firecracker safety guidance (PDF).
Frequently asked questions
Is every temporary firecracker stall illegal?
No. Temporary fireworks shops may be permitted under the applicable licensing framework, subject to the required licence and conditions. Report specific concerns rather than assuming that a stall is illegal because it is temporary.
Can I report a suspected illegal firecracker godown anonymously?
The availability of anonymous reporting depends on the authority and complaint channel. Check the relevant official channel's requirements before submitting your complaint. Do not assume that every portal guarantees anonymity.
Should I contact PESO or the police first?
For an immediate threat, call 112. For suspected illegal sale or unsafe storage without an immediate emergency, contact the local police or competent district authority. PESO may also be relevant to regulatory and explosives-safety concerns.
What if I have no photographs or videos?
You can still report what you observed. Provide the location, approximate time and a clear description. Do not risk your safety to collect evidence.
What if the authorities do not respond?
Keep your complaint acknowledgement and follow up through the relevant official channel. Depending on the issue, you may escalate it to the senior police officer or competent district authority. For an immediate threat, call 112 again and clearly describe the current danger.
Conclusion: Report the risk, not an unverified accusation
Diwali safety is a shared responsibility. If a firecracker shop or storage location appears unsafe, a timely, factual complaint can help the appropriate authorities assess the risk before an incident occurs.
Identify the location, describe what you observed, preserve any safely obtained evidence and use the right reporting channel. Do not investigate the premises yourself or confront people handling fireworks.
This Diwali 2026, help keep your neighbourhood safe by reporting genuine concerns responsibly and allowing the authorities to verify and act on them.
Editorial note: Reporting channels and licensing requirements can vary by location and licence category. Verify local contact details and any festival-specific orders before publication. This article is for general public awareness and is not a legal opinion.