Members of the Kerala Brahmin Sabha on Monday light fireworks at Punkunnam in Thrissur to protest against the Union government’s strict restrictions on fireworks for festivals. | Photo credit: K/K. NAJEEB

Revenue Minister K. Rajan said the Union government’s recent order imposing stricter regulations on fireworks poses an open challenge to the conduct of the Thrissur Pooram. Speaking to the press here on Sunday evening, he called for the new regulations to be withdrawn altogether.

Mr. Rajan described the regulations as impractical and unscientific, adding that they make it virtually impossible to conduct fireworks at Thekkinkadu Maidan or Swaraj Round. “Five of the total 35 regulations cannot be implemented under any circumstances. While others could be followed with modifications, the requirement of a distance of 200 meters between the fireworks site and the storage area is simply unworkable. Previously, this distance was 45 meters. If spectators are kept 100 meters away from the exhibition area, they will not be able to enjoy the fireworks,” he said.

The matter would be brought to the notice of Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, who represents Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency.

Fireworks enthusiasts have expressed strong opposition to the Centre’s move to impose stricter regulations, arguing that these regulations are unworkable. They urged Mr. Gopi to intervene on this issue.

‘Edit order’

K. Girish Kumar, secretary of the Thiruvambadi Devaswom, called for relaxation of restrictions specifically for the Thrissur Pooram fireworks. He stressed the need to make changes to the order, emphasizing the need to preserve tradition.

Various political parties have also demanded the removal of the new restrictions. The Communist Party of India (CPI) has already expressed reservations, while the district secretariat of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the Congress have demanded withdrawal of the regulations.