A low-decibel fireworks display was allowed by the Kerala High Court for the ongoing Pooram festival in Thrissur. It was exempted from the ban imposed in the wake of the Kollam Puttingal temple tragedy on Sunday that claimed 113 lives.
No unauthorised chemicals should be used in the fireworks and the sound level should not exceed 125 decibel, a division bench comprising Justices Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and Justice Anu Sivaraman said in the order. The bench was hearing a plea by the private Paramekkavu and Thirvambadi Devaswoms, which fund the annual Pooram festival in the premises of the famous Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, for permission to hold fireworks display.
The festival is currently on and will culminate on 18 April. While sustained exposure to decibel level below 125 may result in hearing loss, after 125 it may cause pain. The high court on Tuesday banned high-decibel fireworks after sunset in places of worship across Kerala after the Puttingal tragedy.
Meanwhile, the Kerala government on Thursday put the toll in the Puttingal Devi temple fireworks tragedy at 108, saying the higher number of dead announced earlier was due to “duplication” in counting.
Regarding the Thrissur Pooram festival, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday said it would be allowed with strict restrictions and security measures in place, without giving a go by to traditions.
The Pooram is being celebrated for the last several years. How can we say it cannot be held? But to avoid any kind of tragedy, it will be allowed with strict restrictions and security measures.Oommen Chandy, Kerala CM after an all-party meeting
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