“This year, we’re witnessing a higher demand, leading to an increased number of Bazi Bazars,” said Babla Roy, Chairman of the West Bengal Firework Manufacturers’ Association. “Approximately 100 bazi bazaars are authorized to sell crackers, a significant jump from last year’s 52. This growth is a much-needed relief for the lakhs of people dependent on this industry.”

The state government has permitted these bazi bazaars to operate in various locations, including the main venue at Shahid Minar Grounds, Behala, Kalikapur near EM Bypass, Tala Park in North Kolkata, and megamarts in Kolkata, Howrah, Siliguri, and Barasat.

The firecracker industry in West Bengal currently employs over 3.1 lakh people, encompassing manufacturers, laborers, distributors, and sellers. The industry aims to achieve a turnover of Rs 15,000 crore this year, a substantial increase from last year’s Rs 8,000 crore.

The government’s decision to establish green firecracker clusters came in the wake of a tragic accident at an illegal unit in Budge Budge in May last year, where two women and a minor died in a blast.

The West Bengal Pollution Control Board has also been actively involved in promoting the use of green firecrackers. In a recent meeting with police authorities, housing committees, and NGOs, the implementation of High Court orders regarding green firecrackers was discussed.

“While the increasing demand for firecrackers presents an opportunity for economic growth, it also poses challenges related to safety and environmental concerns. Balancing these factors will be crucial for the sustainable development of the industry,” said an environment expert.

Recent years have witnessed several devastating explosions in firecracker units across West Bengal. In 2023, a powerful blast ripped through an illegal firecracker factory in Duttapukur, North 24 Parganas, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people and leaving several others injured.