Wrap-up: Expect more fireworks

Kochi: 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.