Govt will consult stakeholders on time for firing crackers, says CM Palaniswami

Chennai: The State government will take a call on stipulating the time for firing crackers on Diwali after obtaining views from the stakeholders, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has said on Tuesday.

“The Supreme Court order has come just now. The government will decide accordingly after consulting everyone (stakeholders),” Mr Palaniswami told reporters in Madurai, when asked about the apex court modifying its earlier order of fixing an 8-10 pm slot for bursting crackers on Deepavali.

The court had said the time could be changed in the southern States, but the duration should not exceed two hours. Deepavali falls on Nov. 6.

Expressing disappointment over the verdict, K. Mariyappan, general secretary of TN Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association, said manufacturers would face a setback, as the stock would remain unsold. "We hope to hear some good news on Wednesday when another petition will come up for hearing," he said.

On Monday, the state urged the SC to allow bursting of firecrackers 4.30 to 6.30 am on Deepavali in accordance with religious practices in TN, besides the already permitted 8-10 pm period. Deepavali is celebrated in the State early in the morning to commemorate the death of Narakasura, it was noted.