Meerut (UP), Oct 15 (PTI) Police in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut Range have launched a major drive against the illegal storage and sale of firecrackers ahead of the festive season, arresting 53 people and registering 37 cases, officials said on Wednesday.

The wider Meerut Range includes districts of Meerut, Baghpat, Bulandshahr and Hapur.

During the operation, police recovered firecrackers and explosive materials worth several crores of rupees from various districts in the range, they said.

Meerut Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Kalanidhi Naithani said fire safety has been accorded top priority during the festive period.

"We appeal to citizens to immediately report any emergency or illegal activity by calling helpline numbers 112 or 101," he said.

"Our fire tenders are fully

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