Kalyani Blast: Fate of Proposed 'Green Firecracker Clusters' in Question
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Synopsis
Following the fatal blast at an illegal firecracker factory in Kalyani, questions arise about the status of the proposed 'Clusters of Green Firecrackers Factories.' This initiative was announced nearly two years ago after another tragic incident at a factory in Egra, prompting concerns about regulatory oversight and safety.
Key Takeaways
- Blast at Kalyani factory raises safety concerns.
- Questions about the “Clusters of Green Firecrackers Factories” proposal.
- Government's delayed action since the Egra incident.
- Opposition claims proposal was a diversion tactic.
- Concerns about regulatory oversight and factory safety.
Kolkata, Feb 8 (NationPress) Following the explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Kalyani, located in West Bengal's Nadia district, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals, concerns have emerged regarding the status of the “Clusters of Green Firecrackers Factories,” proposed by the state government nearly two years ago. This proposal was initiated after a previous explosion at another illegal firecracker factory in Egra, East Midnapore district, in May 2023 that claimed nine lives.
In a pivotal cabinet meeting post the Egra incident, the state government resolved to establish a high-powered committee aimed at exploring the feasibility of consolidating firecracker production within specific districts, creating designated clusters where only “green” or “eco-friendly” firecrackers would be manufactured.
Later, in June 2023, the state government revealed plans to establish 18 such “Clusters of Green Firecrackers Factories,” throughout the state, covering 90 percent of the associated costs.
Subsequently, the administration announced that the locations for these clusters had been identified, and work was slated to commence within two months.
Now, with another explosion in Kalyani, skepticism regarding the viability of these clusters has resurfaced. While state officials remain silent, opposition parties and environmental activists have criticized the cluster initiative as a mere facade following a tragedy.
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, stated that the proposal was merely a diversion tactic by the state administration concerning the Egra explosion. “Nothing has changed since then. After any tragedy, some administrative eyewash attempts surface, and after some time, everything goes back to the same way,” he remarked.
Md Salim, a CPI-M Politburo member and state Secretary, expressed concerns about whether the Kalyani factory was producing standard firecrackers or more dangerous explosives.
He noted that every time an explosion occurs, the administration tends to blur the lines between firecrackers and bombs.
Somendra Mohan Ghosh, a local green technologist and environmentalist, highlighted that the fact that this factory was not part of the promised cluster raises significant concerns regarding the authorities' unfulfilled commitments. “The tragedy also reflects a lack of regulation and oversight, as well as inadequate safety measures,” Ghosh stated.
