Kerala: Reckless fireworks on way out

Kochi: The Travancore Devaswom Board  has banned competitive fireworks in all the 1,255 temples under it post the Puttingal Devi temple  tragedy even as there is a  difference of opinion among top officials on banning ‘Kambakkettu’ (major fireworks).

“The order banning competitive fireworks was sent to all administrative officers of the temples. The responsibility of monitoring this has been entrusted with the commissioner, the deputy commissioner, the assistant commissioner and the respective administrative officers,” said  Mr V.S. Jayakumar, TDB secretary.

So far there was no restriction on high-intensity fireworks by the board. In the case of Puttingal temple mishap, the district administration had denied permission for competitive fireworks but the temple authorities went ahead with the display of pyrotechnics that resulted in the worst-ever  fire tragedy in the state.

Meanwhile, top TDB officials are divided on whether to give permission to use only ‘Kathina vedi’ and ‘Maala’ crackers or allow ‘Kambakkettu' (major fireworks)  in temples.

TDB president Prayar Gopalakrishnan is of the view that  ‘Kambakkettu’ and ‘Ezhunalippu’ involving elephants should be continued if they are part of the temple rituals and tradition while board members such as Ajay Tharayil advocated  a ban on major fireworks other than ‘Kathina’ (small intensity firecracker offerings done in temples).

A press release  issued by the TDB post the tragedy also makes it clear that it has “given permission to use only ‘Kathina vedi’ and ‘Maala’ crackers. In its verdict on a case in 2012, the High Court of Kerala had issued detailed guidelines for ‘Vedi Vazhipaadu’ in temples. It is in keeping with these directives that the TDB gives contract for ‘Vedi Vazhipaadu’ in temples governed by it, the statement said.