Over 4,200 firecracker shops permitted for Diwali in Andhra Pradesh

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People purchase firecrackers at a shop in Bhavani Puram in Vijayawada on November 6, 2026. | Photo Credit: G.N. Rao

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department issued temporary licences for 4,226 firecracker shops in the State for the Diwali festival.

As many as 4,307 traders applied for temporary licences for selling crackers, of which licences were issued for 4,226 shops (up to November 6). The highest number of 459 traders applied for licences online from the East Godavari district, followed by Kakinada (365), Krishna (350), Konaseema (317) and 310 applied for licences for setting up firecracker shops from the Nellore and Kadapa districts.

Speaking to The Hindu on Friday (November 6, 2026), A.P. State Disaster Response and Fire Services in-charge Director General P. Venkata Ramana said that traders can apply for licences through Whatsapp No.9441236448. Applicants are requested to call State Fire Control Room No. 9100108101 or 7993987418 for any assistance.

This year, the Fire Services Department has introduced an online system and simplified the process for issuing licences to firecracker traders in the State, said Mr. Ramana.

People purchase firecrackers at a shop in Bhavani Puram in Vijayawada. | Photo Credit: G.N. Rao

Traders can apply for temporary licences to Whatsapp No.9441236448. Applicants are requested to submit the name, full address where the cracker shop is proposed to set up, name of district and mandal, nearest fire station and mobile number.

Later, the trader will get a Whatsapp message in which a payment link will be given. The applicant should pay ₹500 through QR Code or UPI. After successful payment, a temporary firecracker shop licence will be automatically generated, which can be downloaded, the Director General said.

“There is no need for physical visits to the fire stations and the entire process is automated, hassle-free and transparent. Traders can apply for cracker shop licences for two more days for the Diwali festival,” Mr. Ramana said.

“We request the traders to sell crackers in licensed shops only by following all safety precautions,” he added.

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