(Image source from: deccanherald.com)
The Covid-19 pandemic has given ‘The Heebie - Jeebies’ to all the States and almost every Government has announced a ban of firecrackers this Diwali.
On Thursday, The Delhi Government and Birhan Mumbai Municipal Corporation prohibited fire crackers across their respective States.
Apart from this, the Calcutta High Court, Odisha Government, and Rajasthan Government have declared a ban on fireworks.
In the bargain, it is a sad affair for all the firework manufacturing industries that has around eight lakh workers around Sivakasi. Almost 70% of their annual business is through fireworks.
Initially during the lockdown, when units had to close down, there was almost a 30% dip in their business. Then, lack of demand due to economic crisis impacted them.
The major market for fireworks is in Rajasthan. Almost 12% of the firework consumption happens there. Unfortunately, because of the ban, many wholesalers and retailers who have purchased crackers are asking Sivakasi to take back their stock with a refund in return.
Other dealers don’t want to place an order for the next one year. No demand for crackers would impact the livelihood of the people working in that industry.
P Ganesan, the President of Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association(Tanfama) mentioned that fireworks would not harm people suffering from COVID-19.
Tanfama has written to the Prime Minister, ministry of environment, and to the CM’s of Rajasthan that fireworks won’t cause any complications.
The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K S Alagiri appealed to Rajasthan’s CM for permission to develop green fireworks in order to keep the pollution in control.
By Neha Makhija
