Govt tightens rules for use of explosives in firework displays

The Centre today tightened the rules for use of explosives during firework displays to prevent any recurrence of tragedy at the 100-year-old Puttingal Devi temple in Kerala, which had claimed 114 lives.
Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will ensure strict compliance of the Explosive Rules, 2008, by district administrations in Kerala.
She said that to prevent such incidents in future, there is an urgent need of tightening of enforcement of the Explosives Rules, 2008, by district authorities.
However, she added that the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), which deals in the explosives sector, has simplified the process to take licences for the purpose.

"There will be no display of fireworks without licence," she said, adding that "strict action should be taken against unauthorised manufacturers and display of fireworks".
A recent accident during display of fireworks at Paravoor, Kerala, has thrown up several discrepancies such as lack of effective enforcement of the Explosive Rules, 2008, on the part of the district administration.

There was also discrepancy in the use of unauthorised fireworks like Amittus, Kuzhiminnal, Palm leaf crackers, multi-shots, use of unauthorised chemicals such as potassium chlorate in fireworks, unauthorised storage of fireworks at a public display site and non-adherence of prescribed safety distances between the display site and spectators.

Sitharaman said the district magistrate's office will be the single window for granting licences under the rules for public display of fireworks.
Applications for licence for public display of fireworks will be submitted to the magistrate's office two months prior to the scheduled date of display and if approved, permission will be granted at least one month prior to the display date.
She also said only authorised fireworks approved by the Chief Controller of Explosives will be used for public display.
The minister said there "is no change in the existing rules" and these points are only clarificatory in nature.

Sitharaman said that as there are several local firework manufacturers in Kerala, the makers would apply to Chief Controller of Explosives, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Nagpur.
PESO will approve the fireworks within 10 days and after submission of the samples, the authorisation will be accorded within 30 days.
Storage licences to store fireworks, if required, near the display site shall be taken from the Office of Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives, PESO, at Ernakulam.
The minister also said the district magistrate should ascertain that the 100-metre safety distance between the firework display site and spectators and 250 metres from hospitals, schools and nursing homes will be strictly complied with.

Barricading should be provided at 100 metres around the display site to prevent entry of the general public in the display area.
These clarifications were released based on a report submitted by PESO officers, who went to the site in Kerala.
Citing the report, Sitharaman said it was very clear that the existing rules had not been followed when that unfortunate incident happened.
Sitharaman clarified that the government has not stopped important festivals like Thrissur Pooram and "have not done anything to stop the fireworks".
"We are giving a clarificatory note on what exactly has to be followed and who are the responsible authorities," she said adding people who are organising these fireworks would not have to run to different officers for permissions.

Talking about traditional fireworks makers, she urged them to apply for licence disclosing the content at the Nagpur office of explosives.
She also stated that district authorities have been advised to ensure presence of skilled manpower at the fireworks' place.
"Please ensure that you obtain the licence before doing the display. We will officially write all these to the chief secretary," she said, adding that there will be enough manpower to adhere to the timelines.