A cluster of fireworks manufacturing units, on the lines of Sivakasi, is coming up in Thrissur.
The project was initiated by A.C. Moideen when he was Industries Minister.
Though allocation was made in the 2018-19 State budget, the project did not take off as there were changes in the portfolio of the Minister.
It was declared that a firecracker products cluster would be established at Thalappilly taluk in Thrissur for safe and scientific manufacture of firecrackers.
The issue of setting up a cluster of fireworks units was discussed at a recent meeting called by Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunil Kumar in Thiruvananthapuram.
The meeting asked the Thrissur Collector to speed up the process of setting up the fireworks manufacturing units on 30 acres under the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation in Thrissur.
The cluster will be established on the Sivakasi model to make sufficient fireworks needed for Thrissur Pooram and other festivals in central Kerala.
Steps will be taken to get the approval of agencies, including the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), for the units.
It is for the first time such a cluster for fireworks units is coming in the State.
Meanwhile, a ministerial-level meeting has decided to give permission for fireworks for Thrissur Pooram if the participating Devaswoms follow the guidelines issued by the authorities in the previous years.
Strict monitoring will be done in each stage of fireworks manufacturing to ensure safety and quality.
Confusion
Prior permission for the Thrissur Pooram fireworks is a relief for the Devaswoms as there was confusion till the last minute for the fireworks during the past years.
As the PESO, police, and revenue officials made the rules stringent, the permission was given in the last minute.