Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Apr 12: In the wake of fireworks tragedy at a temple in Kerala's Kollam on April 10 and similar incidents elsewhere, the deputy commissioner called for a meeting in his office on Monday April 11 to chalk out precautionary measures to prevent such incidents.

These rules have already been made applicable in Udupi district too. The meeting decided to implement similar rules in Dakshina Kannada district.

The police commissioner, DSP, officials of the fire brigade and other officials were present in the meeting.

The following decisions were taken in the meeting:

1. There are seven fireworks manufacturing units in Mangaluru. A committee headed by two assistant commissioners was formed to find out if the units have taken preventive steps or not and report within a week.

2. To publish the details of seven fireworks manufacturing units in the media for the information of the public. The people will be requested to inform the deputy commissioner’s office, the commissioner’s office and SP’s office if there are units other than those seven units manufacturing such items. Legal actions will be taken against those units.

3. The dealers of fireworks will be asked to submit their application for renewal of their licenses along with a no objection letter from the concerned departments that they are taking necessary precautions while storing and selling fireworks.

4. Discussions were held regarding issue of permission for display of fireworks during celebrations, religious programmes, processions, wedding or such other occasions.

5. Those who would apply for permissions for fireworks display will be asked to apply at least ten days in advance in the requisite forms with suitable documents.

6. The application will have to be submitted on the basis of explosives substances law 2008 in L E 6 format.

In case of fireworks display without obtaining prior permission from the assistant commissioner, suitable legal action based on Explosive Substances Law 2008 will be taken against them.

The deputy commissioner has said that the famous 'Puttur Bedi' - fireworks show at Lord Mahalingeshwara temple being held on April 17 will go on as usual with added precautions and safety measures. There will be no provision to stock the firecrackers here, and fencing with wooden poles would be installed around the 0.75 acres of plot where it will be organized. Fire brigade personnel were be present all through the show, and water will be sprayed on the spot where the show is being held after the show. No one other than the experts who perform this show will have permission to visit the area where this show is held after 4 pm that day. The fire department has asked the temple to fit special neck to the tube well existing in the field near the spot of the show for filling of water in case of emergencies. A special fire officer will be arriving from Bengaluru to supervise the proceedings.

These instructions were issued by the assistant commissioner of Puttur, Dr Rajendra K V, to the temple executive officer during his visit to the spot where the crackers show is being held, on Monday evening along with assistant superintendent of police, C B Rishvanth, city police inspector, Mahesh Prasad, and temple executive officer, M H Raveendra.