Patiala, November 2: The apex court ban on the sale of crackers in Delhi and adjoining areas has set the alarm bells ringing in Punjab. Hours after the declaration of ‘Green Diwali’ in the NCR, firecracker rates in Punjab nosedived by more than 20 per cent with Delhi stockists eying both Punjab and Haryana.
Information gathered from sources reveals that wholesalers in Punjab are being offered heavy discounts. Subsequently, the rates of branded crackers have declined by 20 per cent. “In case of cash down payment, the discount touches 36 per cent over and above the existing discount”, said a dealer from Ludhiana. “The discounts on banned items are even bigger. We have to clear our stocks, whatever it takes,” said a dealer from Delhi’s Jama Masjid area.
Sources said even before DCs in Punjab districts had issued licences for firecrackers, those close to the ruling party had already put up stalls. Roadside vendors are yet to be issued temporary licences. But they continue to do business. They are buying crackers from Delhi’s Sadar Bazar and storing these in residential colonies. The police have not acted against them, allegedly because of political pressure.
Source Tribune India
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