Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) has called on the state government to prohibit the use of gunpowder-based fireworks in celebrations, in the wake of the Mundathikode fire tragedy that has claimed 15 lives so far.
Deep Distress Over Repeated Tragedies
The KSSP expressed deep distress over the explosion, noting that this is not the first such incident in Kerala. It has been only a decade since the Puttingal fireworks disaster, which resulted in over 110 deaths and around 300 injuries. The organization pointed out that fireworks accidents have been occurring both before and after the Puttingal tragedy, and they are not due to a lack of laws or safety standards.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the KSSP emphasized that the primary reason for the increase in such incidents is the non-compliance with existing laws and compromises made under pressure. A licence from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) is mandatory for manufacturing, storing, and transporting explosives. The Explosives Act of 1884 and the Explosives Rules of 2008 are in place to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Health and Environmental Hazards
Sudden loud noises at high decibels can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss and severe health issues in heart patients, the elderly, and pregnant women. This is why noise limits are set for fireworks. Under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, fireworks that produce noise are prohibited between 10 PM and 6 AM. There are also regulations regarding the safe distance between spectators and the fireworks site, determined by the amount of explosives used and the location. In Kerala, permission from the police, fire and rescue, and revenue departments is mandatory. However, these laws, rules, procedures, and safety standards often remain on paper and are routinely violated, the statement said.
Call for Alternatives and Immediate Action
Each accident results in the loss of many lives, including poor workers and spectators. Even without accidents, many people fall ill during large fireworks displays. Pollution also creates various problems for other living beings. The KSSP stressed that it is not enough to mourn, express condolences, and appoint inquiry commissions after accidents occur; effective ways to prevent them must be sought. This is a time when alternatives can be found with the help of modern science and technology to create visual spectacles. Such possibilities should be explored.
Banning fireworks using gunpowder for all types of festivals and celebrations is crucial for public safety. Therefore, the government should immediately ban all gunpowder-based fireworks celebrations by law, the KSSP urged.
