Gujarat Government Establishes Committee Following Fatal Firecracker Factory Explosion in Deesa
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Synopsis
In response to a tragic firecracker factory explosion in Deesa, Gujarat, the state government has formed a high-level committee to investigate the incident that resulted in 21 casualties. The committee will assess regulatory failures and safety compliance, aiming to prevent future disasters.
Key Takeaways
- High-level probe committee established
- 21 lives lost in the explosion
- Investigation deadline set for 15 days
- Focus on regulatory failures and safety protocols
- Compensation promised for victims' families
Gandhinagar, April 2 (NationPress) The Gujarat government has established a high-level investigation committee in response to a catastrophic explosion at a firecracker factory located in the GIDC estate of Deesa, North Gujarat, resulting in 21 fatalities.
The committee, headed by Bhavin Pandya, Secretary of Land Reforms, Department of Revenue, is charged with examining the factors and regulatory oversights that led to this tragedy.
The committee has been instructed to present its findings within 15 days.
The investigation team comprises significant officials from various departments, including Bhavin Pandya (Chairperson), Vishalkumar Vaghela (Deputy Superintendent of Police), HP Sanghavi (Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Gandhinagar), and JA Gandhi (Chief Engineer, Road and Buildings Department). Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has expressed sorrow for the affected families and asserted that any negligence contributing to the incident will be addressed seriously.
Additionally, authorities have pledged financial compensation to the families of the victims. The committee's investigation is anticipated to clarify whether systemic flaws played a role in the disaster and may lead to policy modifications aimed at preventing similar occurrences.
The committee will thoroughly investigate various elements of the incident, including determining the chain of events leading to the explosion and assessing compliance with safety measures.
The inquiry will also check if the factory had the appropriate permits from local authorities and whether it secured distinct approvals for the storage of explosive materials.
Moreover, the committee will evaluate compliance with the Explosives Act and Rules, the Factories Act, labor laws, and regulations against child labor. It will also verify whether the factory met construction standards, had adequate fire safety precautions, and obtained a fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). Furthermore, the investigation will review if local authorities conducted routine inspections and identify those accountable for enforcement failures.
The explosion has raised alarm regarding the enforcement of safety protocols in hazardous industries across Gujarat. Families of the victims and local residents are calling for strict measures against those culpable for the tragedy. Opposition parties and labor unions have also demanded enhanced scrutiny of firecracker manufacturing facilities and improved protections for workers in such perilous settings.
