With the Kerala High Court granting conditional permission, stage is set for the annual grand finale of fireworks at the Maradu Kottaaram Bhagavathy Temple as part of the festival on February 16 and 17.
The court directed the Kottaram Bhagavathy Vadakke Cheruvaram and Thekke Cheruvaram to provide insurance coverage for public property to the tune of ₹5 crore each and to surrender the policy to the District Collector. They were also told to maintain a 100-metre distance between the fireworks display site and the spectators. The temporary shed should be identified and inspected by the authorities.
The court also directed the temple authorities to maintain a minimum distance of 50 metres between magazine / temporary shed and the general public. Nobody should be allowed entry to the magazine except the officers concerned. Authorised officers of departments like Revenue, Fire, and police with sufficient number of staff shall be present at the spot well in advance. They should conduct inspection, besides ensuring that there is no violation of conditions in any manner on the part of the temple authorities or others. Sufficient number of fire tenders and ambulances should be kept ready so as to meet any eventuality. That apart, no competition in fireworks display should be organised.
