Kerala government calls for all-party meet to consider ban on fireworks

State to conduct meet on April 14; plans to formulate a policy on fireworks

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The Kerala government is contemplating whether it should ban fireworks partially or completely in the state. The Congress-ruled state has called for an all-party meeting on April 14 to discuss whether or not to ban fireworks. 

According to local industry representatives, the firecracker industry, which specialises only on festivals in temples, churches, mosques and other spiritual places, is estimated to be around Rs 2,000 crore.

The development comes on the backdrop of the recent accident during firework display at a Puttingal Devi temple in Kollam district, Kerala. The accident claimed 110 lives and left over 350 injured.

“The things that will be taken up for discussion includes finding out if a total ban is possible," Kerala's Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said.
 

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy announced earmarking of Rs 20 crore for relief and rehabilitation of the victims.

The state government is also planning to formulate a policy on fireworks after reaching a consensus at the all-party meeting.

Meanwhile, BJP state President Kummanam Rajasekaran opposed any complete ban on the fireworks display in temples stating that it should be allowed with sufficient safety measures.

Malayala Manorama, one of the largest newspapers in Kerala reported that the seven members who have surrendered today told the Police that they had planned to conduct a fireworks display contest. However, they said the pyrotechnics display which led to a blast on Sunday was only part of the rituals of the temple.

Initial reports had said the district administration had denied permission for the display but the temple authorities went ahead after getting "verbal" permission from political authorities," according to the newspaper.