Kerala: Neeleswaram fireworks mishap, no lessons learnt from past

The Neeleswaram temple firework mishap highlights that Kerala has learnt no lessons from the major firework mishaps that shook the state in the past- especially the Puttingal temple firework mishap of Kollam that claimed 117 lives on 2016 April 10.

Not just that the safety lessons learnt from the Puttingal mishap still remain on papers, the 50 odd accused in the Puttingal mishap are remaining scot free even after eight years as the trial is only in the beginning stages.

Moreover, the Kerala government is also pushing for relaxations in fresh norms brought in by the Centre, especially with regard to increasing the distance between the fireworks storage room, display spot and spectators.

"The Neeleswaram incident underscores a failure to learn from past mistakes," says Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) former joint chief controller of explosives Dr. R Venugopal.

The incident at Neeleswaram bears a striking resemblance to the tragic incident at the Puttingal temple. While the severity of the recent accident was less, it still highlights ongoing safety concerns in the handling of fireworks," he told DH.

Venugopal, who was a member of the inquiry committee formed by the centre to probe the Puttingal mishap, said that the recommendations of the inquiry committee should be fully implemented.

PESO's distance norms of 45 metres between the storage place and display area was blatantly violated at Neeleswaram. It should be also ensured that only PESO licensed firework display operators perform fireworks and proper disaster management plans are prepared. It should be also ensured that the fireworks approved by the chief controller of explosives are only used.

Murder attempt charge against accused

Meanwhile, the condition of eight persons injured in the Neeleswaram firework mishap continues to be critical. As many as 154 persons were injured in the mishap that took place by around 12.30 am on Tuesday at the Anhoottambalam Veerarkavu temple.

The Neeleswaram police decided to invoke attempt to murder charges under section 109 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the nine arraigned in the case. While four were so far held, five are still absconding.

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission initiated a case on the matter and sought a report from the police and district administration on the matter.