Date:23/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/23/stories/2008082352260300.htm

Tamil Nadu

“Regulate unauthorised cracker units”

Staff Reporter

SIVAKASI: Unauthorised cracker manufacturers here, under the banner of Tamil Nadu Cottage Industry Cracker Manufacturers’ Association, have urged the district administration to regulate their industry.

Over 160 persons staged a demonstration here urging the district administration to give permission for small manufacturers. The association functionaries claimed that small manufacturers have been permitted to work in single-room shed on one acre of land in Kumbakonam and some northern districts.

They handed over a memorandum to the Sivakasi Tahsildar, A. Ramasamy, in which they wanted the district administration to provide them with a common facility centre as promised by the district officials two years back.

“The manufacturers could not find suitable land for the proposed facility then. They claimed that they would buy land on which the common facility centre should be permitted,” Mr. Ramasamy said.

They alleged that big cracker units brought pressure on their trade during the Deepavali season. The association also threatened to prevent transportation of crackers from the district, if the administration failed to heed its demand.

The Communist Party of India functionary, Samudram, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi functionary, Vanniyarasu, were present at the demonstration.