The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Fireworks manufacturers’ body wants action against illegal units

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Saturday, Aug 23, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Fireworks manufacturers’ body wants action against illegal units

Staff Reporter

TANFAMA promises support for illegal manufacturers to set up units with valid licences

Unauthorised sector is fast growing in over 40 villages in and around Sivakasi
Unskilled people make fireworks in residences

SIVAKASI: The Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers’ Association (TANFAMA) has appealed to officials and residents of Virudhunagar district to stop illegal manufacture of fireworks in residences, roof-tops and open fields in and around Sivakasi.

Even as authorised units, with all relevant licences from the Centre and State, were functioning by following all stipulated safety norms, the unauthorised sector was fast growing in over 40 villages in and around Sivakasi.

“Without any knowledge about properties, reaction and unstable compositions of the chemicals … unskilled rural people are making fireworks in residences … exposing themselves, their family and entire village to the hazards of fire and explosion,” the TANFAMA president, A. Asaithambi, said in a statement.

Neither were there any rigid working hours nor strict control and supervision. Besides, people were attending to their routine household chores while handling explosive materials, he alleged.

The authorities, who used to take stringent action when only a few were in illegal manufacturing, were now seizing illegal goods only on transit or stocked in lorry godowns, fearing fierce opposition, posing socio-economic problems as the illegal sector had spread to over 40 villages, Mr. Asaithambi said.

Appealing to the illegal manufacturers not to fall prey to middlemen who promised lumpsum, the TANFAMA assured to employ them in authorised factories in safe working environment. Apart from good wages, they could be assured of all welfare measures, including accident benefits and insurance.

Mr. Asaithambi said that the association was also ready to guide and provide all assistance in getting licences from various departments, if any of them having the wherewithal came forward to undertake fireworks manufacture legally.

The statement asked the public to lodge complaints against illegal manufacturers around them, if they endangered their lives and polluted common facilities with chemical waste.

The TANFAMA urged lorry operators and suppliers of raw materials not to have any truck with illegal manufacturers or support their unlawful activities.

The authorised manufacturers were warned against illegally leasing out their licensed premises to others. Stating that the State exchequer faced a loss of Rs. 50 crore by way of sales tax evasion, the association wanted the officials to take stringent action against illegal manufacturers who would ruin the chances of Indian fireworks industry entering global market.

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