The Hindu : Kerala News : Impasse over Pooram likely to end

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Wednesday, Apr 11, 2007
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Kerala

Impasse over Pooram likely to end

K. Santhosh

PESO may relax rules for size of shells to be used in fireworks display

MAJOR ATTRACTION: Fireworks display in Thrissur Pooram.

Thrissur: The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) is likely to relax rules for size of shells to be used in pyrotechnic display of Thrissur Pooram, and this may end impasse over conduct of the festival.

Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur, is likely to convey his decision in this regard shortly to Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives, Kochi, sources in PESO said.

Festival committees of the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devaswoms had decided on Monday to hold a small-scale version of the Pooram if rules and regulations for display of fireworks were not relaxed.

A sore point for the Devaswoms was a proposal suggesting that shell size should be limited to eight inches. At a meeting held on November 24, 2006, in Kochi, the Controller of Explosives had suggested that shell size should be in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association 1123 Code for display of fireworks.

The meeting was presided by M. Anbunathan, Chief Controller of Explosives, and attended by representatives of festivals across the State, including K. Manoharan of Paramekkavu Devaswom and M. Madhavankutty of Thiruvambadi Devaswom and Association of Fireworks Display Committee.

"Eight inches was suggested as a safe size for shells considering an increasing number of spectators for Thrissur Pooram and densely packed buildings near the venue. Current size of shells used in Pooram goes up to 24 to 26 inches. An arbitrary reduction of size may be unwelcome. The size should be standardised over a period. The PESO respects Pooram traditions, but it wants celebrations to be conducted safely," an officer with the organisation says.

Another issue was the district administration's reported demand for a site map for display of fireworks.

"One cannot understand why Pooram organisers are reluctant to provide a site map that clearly states the pyrotechnic plan. Organisers of every major festival have submitted such details to the district administration. If the St. Antony's Forane Church in Ollur can provide a site map, why not the Devaswoms? Pooram organisers should ensure that chlorate is not used for fireworks and there is a safe distance between the venue for display and spectators. Safety concerns and scientific methods should replace mass hysteria," says V.K. Venkitachalam of the Public Interest Forum.

The Environment Protection Rules, 1986, state that manufacture and sale of firecrackers generating noise level exceeding 125 decibels (measured at a distance of 4 metres from the crackers) should be prohibited.

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