PALAKKAD: The permission for fireworks at Manjapra Aarattu fest on Monday has angered anti-firework activists. They claim the ADM had given the nod before receiving the chemical examination result of gunpowder used for blasts. The fireworks started at 6.30 pm under strict instruction of explosives and police departments that the gunpowder needed to be way below quantity used in previous years and well within the allotted limit. Collector P. Marykutty and superintendent of police A. Srinivas failed to give a convincing reply to the allegations.
While the collector told DC that the "use of gunpowder had been strictly limited before the ADM gave the permission," the SP said everything was being done within the boundaries of the law. The complainant, V. K. Venkitachalam of Heritage Animal Task Force, said even after Puttingal fireworks tragedy killing more than 100 people in April, and the samples tested for Thrissur Pooram found containing potassium chlorate, authorities were not following norms putting lives at risk.
