Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has directed district collectors and superintendents of police (SPs) to ensure law and order, public safety and emergency preparedness during upcoming festivals and social and religious fairs. He warned that collectors and SPs would be held responsible if any adverse situation arose in their districts.
The directions were issued during a review meeting held through video conferencing from the state secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by district collectors, divisional commissioners, SPs and inspector generals of police (IGs).
Yadav reviewed the implementation of the state government’s flagship schemes and development programmes and instructed officials to strengthen preparations for the coming festive season.
Strict Action Against Carbide Guns and Lamps
The Chief Minister directed district administrations to strictly prevent the use of locally manufactured carbide guns and carbide lamps, citing the risk of accidents and injuries associated with these devices.
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According to the state government’s release, carbide guns can be dangerous because calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene gas, which is highly flammable and can explode when ignited.
Such explosions can eject plastic and metal fragments, potentially causing serious injuries to the eyes, face and skin. The gas also poses burn and fire hazards.
The state government noted that the Public Health and Medical Education Department had issued an advisory on the subject in 2025.
Yadav instructed officials to take preventive measures to ensure that these devices were not used during festivals.
Firecracker Sales and Storage Under Scrutiny
The Chief Minister directed collectors and SPs to prevent the illegal sale of firecrackers during Diwali and ensure compliance with licensing conditions for firecracker shops.
He called for physical verification and inspection of vendors’ premises and directed officials to prevent the illegal storage of explosive materials.
Key instructions included:
- Enforcing licensing conditions for firecracker shops.
- Inspecting vendors’ premises and verifying compliance with safety requirements.
- Preventing the illegal storage of explosive materials.
- Taking legal action wherever unauthorised storage is detected.
- Enforcing restrictions on the purchase, sale, storage and use of prohibited firecrackers.
- Ensuring adequate fire safety arrangements at sensitive locations.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to deploy fire engines, firefighting equipment and trained personnel at vulnerable locations during the festive period.
Ambulances are to be made available at key locations, while nearby hospitals and health centres must remain prepared for emergencies. Duty rosters for doctors are also to be finalised in advance.
Enhanced Security at Crowded Places
Yadav instructed district administrations and police to increase surveillance in sensitive areas and prevent situations that could lead to social or communal tension.
During Diwali, officials have been asked to pay particular attention to crowded public places and monitor the activities of suspicious individuals and anti-social elements.
The directions also include:
- Regular and effective police patrolling in crowded areas.
- Special attention to women’s safety.
- Preventive and security measures in sensitive locations.
- Adequate lighting on major roads and in vulnerable areas.
- Coordination among departments responsible for public safety and emergency response.
The Chief Minister asked collectors and SPs to personally review security arrangements in their respective districts to ensure that festivals conclude peacefully and without accidents.
Crackdown on Adulterated Sweets, Ghee and Dairy Products
The Chief Minister also directed officials to intensify inspections to prevent the sale of adulterated food products during the festive season.
He specifically instructed authorities to prevent the sale of fake or adulterated mawa (khoya), ghee, paneer and sweets.
During the meeting, officials informed the government that 17 licences had been suspended and FIRs registered in 42 cases in connection with food adulteration detected so far.
Yadav directed authorities to conduct intensive inspections of food establishments and take appropriate action wherever adulteration is suspected.
The instructions included:
- Collecting food samples where adulteration is suspected.
- Seizing food products when necessary.
- Forming special teams in districts to monitor and prevent food adulteration.
- Taking action under food safety laws against establishments preparing or selling food in unhygienic conditions.
- Continuing inspections throughout the festive period.
The Chief Minister also cautioned officials against unnecessarily harassing traders during inspections and directed them to ensure that sampling and seizure procedures were carried out appropriately.
Collectors and SPs Asked to Coordinate Emergency Preparations
Yadav instructed district collectors and police chiefs to coordinate with the relevant departments and review preparations for upcoming festivals and fairs.
The review covered law and order, fire prevention, emergency medical services, food safety and the implementation of government schemes.
He emphasised the need for coordinated action to prevent accidents, maintain public safety and ensure that citizens can celebrate the festivals without disruption.
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