One of the most prominent industries in our state, the fireworks industry is in the news, once again for all the wrong reasons. A recent explosion at a fireworks unit in Kattanarpatti near Virudhunagar left more than 25 dead, with several injured as well. The accident is touted to be one of the deadliest ones in recent times. It has turned the spotlight once again on the way the industry, whose business is worth an estimated Rs 6000 crores (and contributes to nearly 90 percent of all fireworks manufactured in the country), is being run and its failure to stop this recurrent scourge.

The fireworks industry has seen much action over the last decade or so, particularly in the corridors of the judiciary. From a ban on use of barium salts, a crucial ingredient in colorful crackers, to the refusal by the judiciary to impose a blanket ban on the manufacture, sale and usage of fireworks and allowing a sale of only green crackers, the mood has swayed between despair and relief. But what has remained unchanged is the unfailing regularity with which accidents occur, raising questions of a systemic failure. It is an undeniable fact that the very nature of the industry makes it lot more susceptible to accidents, specifically explosions. Volatile chemicals have the tendency to combust under oppressive heat and hence the summer season generally sees more incidents. But what can possibly explain more than 130 deaths and 90 injuries since 2022, as per data submitted before the National Green Tribunal in mid-2025? This is something that requires detailed scrutiny.

The overall licensing and regulatory framework governing the industry falls within the domain of PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation), a central body under the Department of Promotion of Industry and Trade. Additionally, there are units that function with the approval of the district administration. Overall, there are more than 1000 units in Virudhunagar district functioning under both regulatory systems put together. What is surprising to note is that many of the accidents reported have been from properly licensed units, which only raises more questions on the efficacy of the regulations and their enforcement. It is not as if the reasons for such a disastrous track record are unknown, for the ills plaguing the industry, such as employment of unskilled or semi-skilled labour, poor working conditions, overcrowding in working sheds, poor wages, inadequate training, etc. have all been well documented.

It has to be acknowledged that there has been and continues to be constant action, such as safety audits, preemptive checks, surprise raids and even cancellation of licenses for safety violations to ensure that the functioning of the units are streamlined. However, it is a sorry fact that none of these have prevented or reduced the recurrence of the accidents. In today’s environment, where AI driven systems are leading innovations, building capabilities to effectively address these issues are certainly possible. All it takes is an active will, both at policymaking and at individualistic levels to bring about real, rather than cosmetic changes. Until then, no amount of punitive action is going to prevent the occurrence of these incidents.

Fireworks are a thing of joy across all age groups, the sights and sounds enlivening our festivals and celebrations. However, it is a matter of great irony that those who make the experience possible are consistently at considerable risk to life and limb. It is time for a thorough study on all aspects relating to the functioning of the industry, particularly its safety aspects and to put in place structural reforms for its overhaul. It is a task that whichever party comes to power needs to address on an urgent basis.