SIVAKASI WEATHER
PM-s Make in India slogan goes up in flames

12-10-2014
11th October 2014

Courtesy: Bangalore Mirror

PM-s Make in India slogan goes up in flames

Tamil Nadu Fireworks Association says Chinese items flooding markets ahead of Diwali

With Diwali around the corner the countrys several thousand crore fireworks industry is in jitters due to smuggling of illegal Chinese fireworks -- from rockets to sparklers -- into the country.
"This year we expect a 30 percent drop in offtake due to smuggled Chinese brands," said G Abiruben, prident of the Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association.

The issue is not only about monetary loss. The Chinese fireworks are manufactured using friction sensitive materials. Banned chemicals such as potassium chloride are used which pose a threat to the end users, Abiruban told Bangalore Mirror.

The fireworks market in the country is about Rs 6,000 crore per annum.

At Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu alone there are around 700 manufacturers who produce 80 percent of the fireworks produced in the country, said a marketing representative at Standard Fireworks, one of the largest fireworks manufacturers. Balaji S of Anil Fireworks in Sivakasi said that as many as 1,000 containers have been seized in different ports in the country so far. "China discovered the huge market for fireworks in India and started tapping it since last year. They use cheap raw materials and dangerous chemicals," Standard Fireworks marketing personnel who doesnt want to be quoted.

It has been however stated that the raw materials used in Chinese crackers give them more colour and display. The industry has sought the help of Nirmala Sitharaman, union minister for commerce and industry. "The government has taken up the issue seriously and written to all chief ministers for action. It has also promised further steps," Abiruben noted.

News & Events
top