Ahmedabad, October 29, 2026: Residents of Khadia in Ahmedabad have raised strong objections to the operation of firecracker shops in residential areas ahead of Diwali, expressing fears of a major accident following a recent fire incident at a firecracker factory in Ramol. They have demanded that the shops be relocated away from densely populated residential neighbourhoods.
With Khadia characterised by narrow lanes, densely packed houses, schools and heavy festive crowds, residents fear that a fire could result in a major disaster. They have questioned who would be held accountable if an incident occurred in the area.
Around 20 Firecracker Shops in Khadia
According to local residents, approximately 20 firecracker shops operate in Khadia. They said authorities had taken action against firecracker shops and sealed some establishments following the Ramol incident. However, with Diwali approaching, some shops have reportedly reopened, raising questions about the effectiveness of the administration’s action.
Residents have also questioned how licences are granted to firecracker shops without adequately considering the safety of people living nearby. They want the authorities to clarify who would bear responsibility in the event of a major accident.
Residents Question Licensing Process
Kishan Modi, a local resident of Khadia, said several firecracker shops operate in the area. He questioned how permissions were granted and on what basis licences were issued without the consent of local residents.
Referring to the Ramol incident, he said residents were concerned about the possibility of a similar accident in Khadia. The presence of firecracker shops has created an atmosphere of fear among people living in the neighbourhood.
He also questioned the apparent disparity in the licensing process, pointing out that while permissions are granted for firecracker shops, residents often face difficulties obtaining Building Use (BU) permissions for other buildings and houses. He called for a clear explanation from the authorities.
Diwali Crowds Raise Fears of a Major Accident
Hiteshbhai Patel, another Khadia resident, said some firecracker shops had remained closed for approximately 85 days after being sealed following the Ramol incident. Their reopening ahead of Diwali has triggered fresh anger among residents.
He pointed out that Khadia is densely populated and experiences continuous movement of people. As Diwali approaches, the number of firecracker shops and roadside stalls is expected to increase along the stretch from Raipur Darwaja to Raipur Chakla.
During the festive period, the area becomes so crowded that pedestrians struggle to move freely, while traffic congestion creates additional difficulties.
Patel warned that a fire at a firecracker shop amid such crowds could cause serious damage not only to people present at the market but also to houses in surrounding residential lanes. The presence of schools and tuition classes in the area further raises concerns about children’s safety.
He demanded that firecracker shops be removed from residential areas and shifted to suitable alternative locations.
Narrow Lanes and Prolonged Traffic Jams Add to Concerns
Jignesh Raval, a local resident, said the reopening of firecracker shops had heightened fears among residents, particularly after witnessing the Ramol incident.
He said the Khadia market, which has reportedly operated for several decades, sells various types of firecrackers and attracts large crowds in the week leading up to Diwali.
Traffic congestion can leave people struggling to move through the area for hours. Raval expressed concern that, in the event of a fire, narrow lanes and heavy congestion could prevent fire brigade personnel from reaching the affected location promptly.
The closely packed residential buildings could also allow flames to spread rapidly, increasing the potential scale of damage. He urged the administration to take preventive measures before the festive rush intensifies.
Firecracker Shops Could Obstruct Ambulances and Fire Engines
Advocate Shobhanaben Bhavsar said that during festivals such as Uttarayan and Diwali, traders from areas including Vatva GIDC, Isanpur and Ramol also set up firecracker shops and stalls in Khadia.
She said the market becomes extremely crowded during festivals, leaving little room for pedestrians. In such circumstances, emergency services, including 108 ambulances and fire brigade vehicles, could face difficulties reaching people in need.
Given the large quantities of combustible materials stored at firecracker shops, even a small spark could potentially trigger a serious fire, she warned.
Bhavsar emphasised that the issue goes beyond commercial activity and directly concerns public safety. She urged the authorities to take an appropriate decision to ensure that residents’ lives are not put at risk.
With Diwali approaching and some shops reportedly reopening, residents are calling for urgent intervention by the authorities to address their safety concerns and prevent a possible disaster in Khadia.
