Government decides against ban on fireworks

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Kerala Government will not support total ban of fireworks, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said after an all-party meeting favoured controlled used of pyrotechnics.

It has been clarified that fireworks on competitive basis and high decibel crackers would not be allowed.  A fund would be formed for the relief of those affected by the Paravoor fireworks tragedy.

The meeting also urged the Centre to declare the tragedy as a national disaster. The Thrissur Pooram shall be permitted subject to restrictions.

The Chief Minister said that the ministerial team which was continuing its assessment of damage to property in the tragedy would submit its report by next Tuesday. The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday would consider it and take decisions. The team is also looking into trauma and hearing loss among people who were present at the temple festival and those living near the temple.

Meanwhile, the High Court allowed conduct of Thrissur pooram subject to Supreme Court order of 2007. Banned explosive will not be permitted to be used and explosives control units will undertake inspections in this regard. No damage should be caused to the buildings around the temple.

The Court observed that Pooram was part of social life of Trhissur. However, sound levels should be restricted and steps taken to ensure security.  The Kollam tragedy was

The High Court declined to intervene in matters limited to treatment of elephants at the Pooram. However, deceased elephants should not be used.

The Court agreed to Government’s prayer that the Crime Branch should be allowed to continue its investigation into the tragedy instead of going for a CBI probe at this juncture. The Court would oversee the investigation and a progress report would have to be filed with the Court by May 18.