š² The Indian Town with A Rs. 8,000 Crore Curse
One tiny town in Tamil Nadu managed to gain a monopoly over the firecracker trade. But this Rs. 8,000 crore industry has not brought it much prosperity. Here's why.
This may finally be the year when no one circulates that fake picture of India on Diwali night that allegedly NASA clicked.
If youāre an Indian with WhatsApp you definitely know what weāre talking about.
No, this year, surprisingly there are hardly any firecrackers bursting even just a day before Diwali.
This could be the combined impact of firecracker bans and inflation.
And one tiny town is going to bear the brunt of firecracker-less Diwali: Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu.
Because that one tiny town manufactures 90% of the firecrackers in India.
š A Rs. 8,000 Crore Blessing and Curse
Sivakasi gained a monopoly in the firecracker manufacturing business, thanks to two enterprising brothers: P Ayya Nadar and Shanmuga Nadar.
Back in 1923, they went to Kolkata to study matchmaking (the art of making matches not the Seema Aunty style matchmaking).
And they also learnt how to make firecrackers. Kolkata had the only fireworks factory in India at the time.
But these brothers didnāt stay back in Kolkata to earn from their new trade.
They brought it back to their town Sivakasi, forever transforming it.
You see, before the firecracker trade began in Sivakasi, the town was struggling.
Due to bad soil and worse rains, people couldnāt farm and they did not have any other major job opportunities.
But just like how fire brought civilisation to mankind, fireworks brought prosperity to Sivakasi. The town earns around Rs. 8,000 crores each year during Diwali (most of this money goes to factory owners).Ā
However, this prosperity was a double-edged sword.
Yes, Sivakasiās people were employed but in a potentially fatal job.
And as more and more firecracker industries started being set up in Sivakasi, this firecracker blessing turned into a curse.Ā
How?
Because the people of Sivakasi were forced to work dangerous jobs for peanuts.
Yes, many of these workers work with chemicals all day without any gloves or protective gears.
Around 20-25 people die in Sivakasi each year due to factory accidents and over 50 are injured. Many suffer from sustained allergies, burns, wounds and respiratory diseases.
All this risk for mere Rs. 450 per day (8 hour shift).Ā
Last nail in the coffin: firecracker ban.
š The Firecracker Ban
Working in the firecracker business was a dangerous job, but at least they had a job.Ā
The firecracker ban has now left over 1.5 lakh people without one.Ā
What's worse? These people do not have any other special skills, so finding alternative jobs is not really an option.
So, should the government reverse the ban?
Strictly from an environmental perspective: no.
So, what can it do?
Well, the National Environment Engineering Research Institute has already tied up with 800 manufacturing units to help them manufacture green crackers, which emit less harmful gases.
It is also setting up a lab in Sivakasi to help create and develop more green crackers.
But this also doesnāt end the problems of the firecrackers industry.
Because illegal and cheaper Chinese crackers that are being missold as green crackers are eating their market share.
Plus, green crackers donāt last as long as regular crackers. That means companies can no longer sell this yearās crackers next year. So, many are producing fewer crackers and laying off people.
š What Can be Done?
The government should organise re-skilling and employment programs to prevent people involved in the firecrackers industry from losing their jobs.Ā Even the green crackers arenāt really that green and could eventually be banned.
So, the firecrackers industry is facing an uncertain future, especially as the world gets more conscious about global warming and climate change. But does it really help the government to announce bans that are easily flouted and difficult to enforce?Ā
The chances of success will go up only if the problem is solved at the roots. People will comply only if there is happiness for all and heartburn for none.Ā
After all, Diwali is the festival of lights and prosperity. Here's to hoping that this light and prosperity enlightens every town in India.
Wishing you all a very Happy Diwali from ReadOn!Ā :)
ā” In a line: The people of Sivakasi need a helpline to ensure a livelihood for themselves and the government needs to take steps to help them.
Quick question: Do you think the firecracker industry will die soon?
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