Wrap-up: Expect more fireworks

The Kerala High Court on Thursday allowed low-decibel fireworks display during the ongoing Pooram festival in Thrissur, exempting it from the ban imposed in the wake of Kollam Puttingal temple tragedy on Sunday that claimed 113 lives.

No unauthorised chemicals should be used in the fireworks and the sound level should not exceed 125 decibel, a division bench comprising Jus-tices Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and Justice Anu Sivaraman said in the order.

The bench was hearing a plea by the private Paramekkavu and Thirvambadi Devaswoms, which fund the annual Pooram festival in the premises of the famous Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, for permission to hold fireworks display. The festival is currently on and will culminate on April 18.

While sustained exposure to decibel level below 125 may result in hearing loss, after 125 it may cause pain.

Meanwhile, an all-party meet held in Thiruva-nanthapuram against the backdrop of the Kollam tragedy, decided not to impose a total ban on fireworks display during festivities but advocated adherence to strict controls and checks and avoiding high-decibel crackers. The meet was called by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to discuss whether or not to ban fireworks display during festivities in places of worship in the aftermath of the April 10 Puttingal Devi Temple fireworks tragedy at Kollam.

“It was not a ban on fireworks that was necessary, but a strict control and checks during its display was the opinion which emerged at the all party meet,” Chandy told reporters.

Our take Crowd management, especially during festive times at places of worships, has always posed a major challenge to the administration which has time and again failed to step up to the plate. Last week’s Kollam tragedy which has left over 110 dead is another case in point. Striking a balance between the sentiments of the people, traditions and efficient management of the people is the need of the hour. All temple managements, administrations and devotees should together strive to ensure that tragedies like the recent one is last of its breed.