Jaipur, April 20 (NationPress) Emergency services were dispatched to the Pachpadra Refinery located in Barmer, Rajasthan, on Monday afternoon after a fire erupted in one of its operational units, just one day prior to its planned inauguration. This incident caused a momentary alarm among officials, especially since the refinery is situated within one kilometer of the inauguration site.

Initial reports suggest that the fire started in the CDU (Crude Distillation Unit). Thick clouds of smoke were observed billowing from the facility, leading to the immediate activation of the refinery’s fire safety protocols. Employees in the affected area were quickly evacuated as a safety measure.

Authorities confirmed that approximately 20 fire engines were dispatched to the site to bring the situation under control. Emergency response teams, in collaboration with refinery staff, employed both on-site suppression systems and external firefighting resources to manage the flames.

According to police control room officials who spoke to IANS, the fire was successfully contained following persistent efforts by the response teams and firefighters.

Officials from the Chief Minister’s Office informed IANS that the incident was classified as a “minor” event, affirming that the fire had been extinguished without significant repercussions.

The occurrence transpired shortly before Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma was due to arrive to oversee arrangements for the much-anticipated inauguration event.

Despite the fire incident, officials reported that there have been no considerable disruptions thus far. The precise cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, Tikaram Jully, the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, remarked, "The fire at Pachpadra Refinery in Balotra is gravely concerning. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate this project tomorrow, which was initially developed by the Congress party, such a pre-inauguration incident raises significant concerns regarding the government's rushed preparations."

"The BJP has delayed this crucial Congress initiative for years, resulting in increased costs. This raises questions about the refinery's actual readiness and whether it is being opened prematurely for publicity. Had the Chief Minister prioritized safety over marketing, perhaps this incident could have been avoided. This is not merely an accident but a serious oversight by the government. I hope for the safety of all involved in this incident," Jully added.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Rajasthan, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s energy and industrial sectors.

During his visit, he will formally dedicate to the nation India's first greenfield integrated Refinery-cum-Petrochemical Complex at Pachpadra in Balotra. The event is scheduled for around 11:30 a.m., followed by an address to the public.

This refinery-cum-petrochemical complex signifies a major milestone in India’s quest for energy security and industrial advancement.

Constructed as a partnership between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Government of Rajasthan, the project has garnered a substantial investment exceeding Rs 79,450 crore.

With a capacity of nine Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA), it stands as one of the most significant greenfield initiatives in the sector, designed as a cutting-edge facility that seamlessly integrates refining and petrochemical production.