Around 840 fireworks manufacturers in Tamil Nadu have stopped production from February 18. Addressing media persons, K Mariappan, secretary of All India Federation of Fireworks Industry, said on Saturday that the production was stopped in response to an expert panel’s recommendation to prescribe stringent safety norms. The panel was set up under the guidance of the Madras High Court following two fire accidents in factories in Sivakasi, the fireworks manufacturing hub.
The industry now has to start from scratch, which may not be viable, Mariappan said.
The panel has recommended six suggestions to ensure safety at fireworks manufacturing units.