Fireworks accident: Special Commissioner demands safety audit in Sabarimala, informs it in HC

KOCHI: Sabarimala Special Commissioner M. Manoj has filed a report in the High Court to direct the Director General of Fire Force to suggest safety measures by conducting a safety audit at Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal in the backdrop of the fireworks accident.

The recommendation is based on the report given by the Fire Force Special Officer stating that the Vedivazhipadu contractor did not follow the license conditions. The High Court directed the government and the Devaswom Board to give an explanation in this regard.

The fireworks accident took place on Monday evening near Malikkapuram temple. The Fire Force had submitted a report to the Special Commissioner stating that the distance between the shed and the vedivazhipadu platform was only ten meters and the stove and cooking utensils were near the shed. Two of the four fire extinguishers here have already been used.

Instructions by the Fire Force

• There should be a distance of 45 meters between the shed where the kathina is filled and the place where it is fired.
• The area nearthe shed should be cleaned. Do not electrify sheds.
• Experienced employees should be appointed.
• Employees should not wear flammable clothing.
• Safety guidelines should be displayed in this area.

The Devaswom Board informed the High Court that the Vedivazhipadu was stopped due to the accident. The division bench comprising of Justice Anil. K. Narendran and Justice P.G. Ajith Kumar recorded this.