India, Oct. 16 -- Ahead of Diwali, the residents of Wakad and nearby areas have come out in protest against unauthorised firecracker stalls that have come up along pavements and cycle tracks in the locality. The residents have decided to boycott such stalls to discourage encroachment and ensure pedestrians' safety. The move comes hard on the heels of last week's accident at Hinjewadi wherein a woman, 34, from Thergaon, died after being run over by a cement-mixer truck on the Hinjewadi-Maan road.

According to area residents, illegal firecracker stalls have mushroomed along footpaths and cycle tracks at Mauli Chowk and Domino Chowk, forcing pedestrians to walk on roads and risk their lives. Not only do these stalls block public space, they...