Fireworks allowed during Thrissur Pooram; legal advice received, says Minister K Rajan

THRISSUR: The uncertainty surrounding the fireworks display associated with Thrissur Pooram is easing. The Advocate General has given legal advice that fireworks can be held for Pooram. The High Court had given permission for the fireworks display as part of the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Vela celebrations. Minister K Rajan informed that the Advocate General's legal advice is that this permission is applicable to the Pooram fireworks. However, the new central law is an obstacle to the fireworks display, added Minister K Rajan.

It is the Centre that should amend the law. The Collector will use the power of the Chief Controller to give permission for fireworks. The guidelines of the central agency PESO will be followed, the minister said. Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devasams will vacate the fireworks shed room at Thekkinkadu Maidan.

Although this year's Thrissur Pooram is on May 6, there was uncertainty about getting permission for fireworks. The central law is against the Pooram fireworks. The main condition is that there should be a distance of 200 meters between the fireworks shed and the place where the fireworks are being set off. There are also conditions that people should stand 100 meters away from the fire line, and there should be no schools or petrol pumps within 250 meters. The devaswoms got permission for the Vela fireworks earlier after they submitted an affidavit stating that the magazine where the fireworks are stored would be emptied.