Kurnool: District Collector P. Ranjit Basha has directed officials to thoroughly check the criminal records of applicants before issuing licenses for firecracker stalls. The regulations specify that retail clusters of firecrackers must be limited to 50 stores, with a minimum distance of three meters between each stand. Stores must be built with fire-resistant materials and licenses will only be granted to sellers who comply with all safety regulations.

The collector also issued safety guidelines for the public, emphasizing that fireworks should only be purchased from licensed sellers. He stressed that children should burst firecrackers under adult supervision and used firecrackers should be soaked in water before being thrown away. To minimize disruption, no loud fireworks will be permitted between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. These measures are aimed at ensuring a safe festive environment and preventing accidents during Diwali celebrations, the collector said.