Fireworks manufacturers have welcomed the Supreme Court’s oral orders allowing the sale of fireworks containing barium nitrate during this Deepavali outside the National Capital Region.
“It is a big relief for us as the fireworks made using barium nitrate constitute around 40% of the total production,” said K. Mariappan, secretary of Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers’ Association.
As a result, the dealers who have already bought and stocked the crackers, will be able to exhaust them during the Deepavali season.
“Almost all the fireworks goods produced in Sivakasi had been sold and transported to various parts of the country. The verdict by Supreme Court banning barium nitrate created a confusion as to whether the authorities will allow sales of sparklers, torches, ground chakkars, flower pots and other aerial fireworks containing the chemical. It had created doubts even in the minds of end users as to whether they can use such products,” Mr. Mariappan said.
However, the Supreme Court refused to extend the timing of bursting crackers. It has modified its order by allowing any two-hour slot for bursting of crackers on Deepavali day.
A clear picture will emerge after the Supreme Court passes the order on Wednesday, he added.
CM to hold consultations
Rejecting the charge that the State Government failed to present the firecracker issue properly before the apex court, Chief Minister, Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday told reporters that the State government would take a decision on the timing after consulting all the stakholders.
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary, Vaiko, criticised the government for having failed to get relaxation on the two-hour restriction to burst crackers on Deepavali.
“It is not all about the tradition and celebrations alone. It is the livelihood problem of lakhs of employees involved in the industry,” he said.
