' 'Kutty Japan' faces crackle of fireworks, barium bans

Impressed by its industrial vibrancy, former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru affectionately referred to this small city in Tamil Nadu as 'Kutty Japan' (Kutty means 'mini' in Tamil). Now, in 2024, Nehru's Kutty Japan, popularly known as Sivakasi, still contributes to over 85 per cent of the fireworks made in the country, lighting up the festive colours of every city and village in India.

- SHINE JACOB

Despite this status, this small city is fighting for survival, thanks to the ban on firecrackers in Delhi, regulations in several other cities, pandemic-imposed sales dips, and the ban on the use of barium nitrate as well as the manufacturing and selling of joined firecrackers.

Although Diwali sales are showing better numbers than last year, production in the organised sector is down, and sales have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels due to these challenges, say industry sources.

On Monday, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee issued a complete ban on all kinds of firecrackers ahead of Diwali, although the Supreme Court allowed green crackers. This ban will be imposed until January 1, 2025, across the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The decision was termed a step to curb rising air pollution during the Diwali season in Delhi.