Pooram Fireworks Display To Be Environment Friendly

Kochi (PTI): Sans much of their deafening sound, but offering a spectacular visual treat, the May 4 fireworks display at the world-famous 'Thrissur Pooram,' considered the mother of all temple festivals in Kerala, would be environment friendly this time, with measures in place to ensure it.

Pooram authorities have been asked to ensure that 50 percent of fireworks to be used should be colour emitting rather than ones producing very loud noise, Controller of Explosives, R Venugopal, told PTI.

These noise level producing fireworks will be very less this year in Kerala compared to 2008, he said.

Even in the famous Nenmara Vella Devi temple festivity at Palakaad, held on March 23 this year, where the fireworks used are said to be the largest in Asia, the use of sound emitting crackers was considerably reduced, he said.

All fireworks manufacturers have been strictly instructed not to use Potassium Chlorite, a highly dangerous chemical responsible for the thundering sound, in fireworks displays.

Though the Union Government had banned its use in 1984, it was being used in Kerala till last year. Police have taken action against those using the chemicals in fireworks, he said.

The Pooram festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is held in the wee hours at Thekkinkadu grounds in front of Vadukanantha temple in Thrissur and is celebrated by two rival groups -- Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu, who vie with each other in making the display of fireworks grander and more colourful.

T Shashidharan, supervising the manufacture of crackers of Thiruvambady Devaswom, says the fireworks would be more colourful with reduced sound this time. The importance is being given to make the display more spectacular and colourful, he told PTI and added that different varieties of fireworks, some never tried out before, would be used during the display.

Mr. Venugopal said fireworks display holders and volunteers had been instructed to adorn separate uniforms for the security and disaster management plan, which will be in operation. "All government agencies are working together to make the fireworks display safe and secure," he said.

To ensure that manufacturers do not use harmful chemicals, regular inspections are being carried out by police at the manufacturers' premises.

From this year, the display license will be issued by the respective District Collectors, which was earlier being given by Petroleum Explosive and Safety Organisation (PESO), a central government department, and formerly known as the department of explosives.

Instructions have also been given to ensure that the display would be about 100 metres away from spectators.