Kerala Government Calls All-Party Meet to Discuss Fire Cracker Ban

Often, dangerous firework displays are held at temple and church functions, with one group trying to outdo another.

In the wake of the Puttingal temple tragedy, the Kerala government has called an all-party meeting on Thursday to see if a consensus is possible on a total or partial ban on firecrackers.

The things that will be taken up for discussion include finding out if a total ban is possible.

Ramesh Chennithala. Home Minister, Kerala

The all-party meeting is scheduled to be held on 14 April in state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

An illegal fireworks display on Sunday set off massive explosions and fire at Puttingal temple in Kollam district of the state, which resulted in deaths of 110 people and injured more than 350 people.

There have been opinions that fireworks display which gives more significance to the visual treats should be taken up and sound levels of crackers to be brought to the minimum levels, like what happens in UAE and Singapore.

Ramesh Chennithala. Home Minister, Kerala

Police Conduct Raids to Seize Illegal Explosives

The police have been ordered to conduct raids across the state to seize explosive materials that are possessed either illegally or in excess of permitted quantities, the minister added.

With Vishu festival round the corner, the police has been asked to ensure that proper checks and balances are adhered to according to the licence (to possess explosives) given.

Ramesh Chennithala. Home Minister, Kerala

He said the ongoing judicial probe and crime branch probe into the temple blast would be completed at the earliest and suitable action would be taken.

However, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) feels that rather than ban, one should work on proper safety mechanism. The Kerala BJP president Kummanem Rajasekheran said that a total ban on firecrackers may not be feasible.

What needs to be done is proper mechanisms should be put in place. One can work out a proper safety audit mechanism on how such things can go forward.

Kummanem Rajasekheran, president, Kerala BJP