• Sivakasi, the epicenter of India's firecracker industry, sold fireworks worth Rs 6,000 crore for Diwali, despite significant challenges.
• Regulatory restrictions led to a 30% drop in production, particularly affecting the production of joined crackers.
• Despite setbacks, 400,000 workers from 1,150 factories produced 70% of India's total firecracker production.
• However, the industry's success came with a human cost, with 17 accidents in 2024 alone, highlighting the need for improved safety measures.

In the heart of Tamil Nadu, nestled in the Virudhunagar district, lies Sivakasi, a town that has been the epicenter of India's firecracker industry for over a century. This year, despite facing significant challenges, the firecracker factories in Sivakasi managed to sell fireworks worth a staggering Rs 6,000 crore across the country in preparation for the Diwali festival.

The Tamil Nadu Fireworks Manufacturers Association, the body representing these factories, reported this impressive figure. However, it was not without acknowledging the hurdles that the industry had to overcome this year.

Regulatory Challenges and Production Decline

The production of fireworks in Sivakasi saw a considerable decline, a downturn attributed primarily to the Supreme Court's reiteration of its ban on barium nitrate, a crucial ingredient in firecracker manufacturing. The ban on barium nitrate was not the only regulatory challenge faced by the industry.

Additional restrictions were imposed on the production of joined crackers, a popular type of firecracker where individual units are connected by a fuse, allowing them to ignite in succession when one cracker is lit. These restrictions led to a drop in production by at least 30 per cent, as reported by business owners in Sivakasi to IANS.

The town of Sivakasi, along with its neighboring villages, is home to over 300 factories that specialize in the production of joined crackers. A.P. Selvarajan, a representative from Kaliswari Fireworks, one of the leading manufacturers in the region, shared some insights into the impact of these restrictions. He stated, "Sound crackers account for 40 per cent of the total production in Sivakasi. Of those sound products, around 20 per cent were joined crackers."

Impact on Workers and Production

The restrictions on joined crackers have had a ripple effect on the industry. Many manufacturers specializing in these products have had to keep their factories closed for months, leading to a significant migration of workers to other factories. The industry's challenges were not limited to regulatory restrictions. The region also experienced heavy rainfall, which further impacted production. The output was reduced to about 75 per cent of the usual volume due to the adverse weather conditions.

Despite these setbacks, the industry demonstrated remarkable resilience. Approximately 400,000 workers from 1,150 fireworks factories in Sivakasi were involved in producing the Rs 6,000 crore worth of firecrackers this year. This figure is a testament to the town's significance in the country's firecracker industry, contributing around 70 per cent of India's total firecracker production.

Safety Concerns and Accidents

However, the industry's success has not been without its share of tragedies. The manufacturing process of firecrackers is fraught with risks, and several accidents have occurred over the years, leading to loss of life. In 2024 alone, Sivakasi witnessed 17 accidents that resulted in 54 fatalities. The history of Sivakasi's firecracker industry is reminiscent of similar industries worldwide.

For instance, the city of Liuyang in China, known as the 'Fireworks Capital of the World,' has faced similar challenges. Like Sivakasi, Liuyang has had to grapple with regulatory restrictions and safety concerns. However, through innovation and resilience, it has managed to maintain its position as a global leader in the fireworks industry.