The Kerala government has decided to call an all-party meeting on Thursday to discuss, among other things, a total ban on fireworks during festivities.

The intention is to reach consensus on the subject with all stakeholders, including political parties, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said after a meeting to review the treatment of survivors of Sunday's fireworks accident at a temple at Paravoor in neighbouring Kollam.

The government has released Rs 20 crore so far for rescue and relief efforts. Thirteen of the 109 dead in the tragedy have still to be identified.

The condition of 27 admitted in various hospitals continues to be critical. The Chief Minister said 1,039 injured people had been treated at these hospitals.

Separately, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said raids would be conducted at unauthorised dealers and storehouses of crackers and other incendiary material in view of the Vishu festival.

Strict measures would be initiated to ensure that crackers and bangers with destructive potency would not be used during the rest of the festival season.

The government will also explore the option of licensing the use of crackers which are flashier but milder in terms of sound and related effects and are increasingly used abroad.

The Home Minister said he was personally against the practice of parading elephants during festivities. But this is something that needs consensus from a wider spectrum of people and organisations.

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