Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod
Kasargod, Nov 6: The Kerala government has officially declared the devastating firecracker explosion at the Anjoottambalam Veerar Kavu Temple in Nileshwar as a "State-specific disaster." This declaration was made during a meeting of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority's State Executive Committee on October 29.
The tragic accident occurred on October 28 during the annual Kaliyattam festival, when a firecracker storehouse at the temple exploded, triggering a massive fire. The blast resulted in the deaths of four people and left more than 150 others injured, many critically.
In response to the disaster, the Kasargod District Collector, Inbasekar Kalimuthu, has been instructed to provide immediate relief to the victims receiving hospital treatment. The relief will be provided in accordance with the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) guidelines, based on the severity of the injuries.
“The District Collector has been allocated Rs 2 lac from the SDRF to cover the cost of emergency response operations carried out by the District Administration,” the government announced. Furthermore, ex-gratia payments will be made to the families of the deceased and those suffering major injuries, in line with SDRF norms.
Additionally, the Kerala government has decided to fund the medical treatment of the injured through the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). The Kasargod District Collector is expected to submit a detailed proposal with a list of those undergoing treatment, ensuring that the necessary financial assistance reaches the victims without delay.
The declaration of the firecracker explosion as a State-Specific Disaster enables faster access to state funds, ensuring more timely and effective support for the victims and their families. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety standards for firecracker displays during temple festivals, which often involve large crowds and hazardous materials.