Manufacturers of fireworks have welcomed the Supreme Court’s oral orders allowing the sale of material containing barium nitrate during this Deepavali outside Delhi region. It also modified order and allowed any two-hour slot for bursting of crackers on Deepavali.

“It is a big relief for us as the fireworks made using barium nitrate constitute around 40 per cent of the total production,” said Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers’ Association secretary K Mariappan.

“Almost all the fireworks goods produced in Sivakasi had been sold and transported to various parts of the country. The verdict banning barium nitrate created a confusion as to whether the authorities will allow sales of sparklers, torches, ground chakkars, flower pots and other aerial fireworks containing the chemical,” he added.

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko criticised the government for having failed to get relaxation on the two-hour restriction. He claimed it would affect the livelihood of lakhs of workers in the industry