AB Ibrahim sets up panel to inspect all fireworks making units in DK

Mangaluru, Apr 12: In the wake of fireworks tragedy at a Kerala temple, which claimed scores of human lives, Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner AB Ibrahim has set up a committee of inspectors to inspect all manufacturing units in the coastal district.

The committee has been directed to submit a report on the safety measures in place at all the fireworks manufacture units. There are seven authorized fireworks manufacturing units in the district. B S Basha Saheb, Bajpe, Gangadhara Moolya, Kulai, Sheikh Mahammad Rafeeq, George D'Souza, Abdul Shukoor, Bantwal, Jahangeer Basha, Paduperar and Sayyed Basheer, Venoor are the authorized license holders of the seven fireworks manufacturing units in the district.

The DC issued a circular setting up a committee and directed assistant commissioners to inspect all the manufacturing units. The committee should ascertain whether all the safety measures are taken in the fireworks making units as mandated by the rules.

"The committee should visit all the fireworks manufacturing units in the district and submit a detailed report regarding its safety measures," Ibrahim said adding that a meeting in this regard has been convened in the wake of fire tragedy that reported in Kollam.

The DC requested general public to pass on the information if they come across any illegal fireworks manufacturing units in their locality. "Suitable action as per the Explosives Rules 2008 will be taken against those who manufacture or display fireworks without obtaining permission from the respective assistant commissioners," the DC said.

The district administration also reviewed the provisions under which permissions are given for fireworks display during religious programmes, temple festivals, weddings and other celebrations. "In case any organizer wants to hold fireworks display in the district, application for permission should be submitted to the assistant commissioner 10 days prior to the programme date.

Details of the place, consent from the owner of the land, photo of the applicant, NOC from the police, fire and emergency department, certificate of safety measures and details of all workers involved in the fireworks show should be submitted along with the application," Ibrahim said.

'Sudumaddu Pradarshana', fireworks display, is part of festivals in many temples in Dakshina Kannada district. Fireworks display will be held on April 17 at Puttur Sri Mahathobhara Mahalingeshwara Temple, where a controversy over printing Muslim DC's name in festival invitation was reported recently.