IMA to move HC seeking ban on fireworks display

In the wake of the temple tragedy in Kerala, which killed 102 people, Indian Medical Association today decided to move the Kerala High Court seeking a ban on display of deadly fireworks which are common in the state during festivals and political programmes.

IMA Kerala president Dr A V Jayakrishnan said their Thiruvananthapuram branch President Dr R C Sreekumar would file a writ petition before the High Court, seeking to curb use of firecrackers causing high-level noise pollution during festivals and other occassions.

"We all feel that a judicial intervention is the only way to prevent such tragedies. Prompted by this temple fire tragedy, our Thiruvananthapuram branch has decided to approach the High Court," Dr Jayakrishnan told PTI.

Immediate past Vice President of IMA Kerala, Dr Abraham Varghese said the high-level noise caused by fireworks in temples and other places of worship causes severe ear damage, brings about diabetes and could also precipitate asthmatic attacks among people.

He said thousands of people gather every year at the precincts of temples and other places of worship in Kerala to witness the display of fireworks and they are unaware of its health hazards.

"So it has to be controlled. We are trying to create awareness among public on what high sound is," he said.

102 people were killed and over 280 injured in a major fire in the Puttingal Devi Temple complex at Paravoor near Kollam in Kerala today during a display of fireworks early this morning.

The fire erupted when sparks emanating from a fireworks display ignited a store room filled with crackers and pyrotechnic material.