Denial of Fireworks Units’ Noc Stayed

MADURAI: The HC Bench here has granted an interim stay on the order of the Virudhunagar Collector denying  ‘No Objection Certificates’ (NOC) to manufacture fireworks or explosives in three taluks of the district. Petitioner KKC Balaganesh stated that on May 25, 2013 the Virudhunagar Collector passed an order stating that NOCs under Rule 102/103 of the Explosives Rules, 2008 would not be granted anymore within the geographical boundaries of Sivakasi, Sattur and Virudhunagar taluks. Contending that over 5 lakh were dependent on fireworks industry for jobs, the petitioner argued that Virudhunagar was the hub for making crackers, as it had less rainfall and humidity, which was sufficient for producing crackers.