Mumbai, March 4 (NationPress) In a significant announcement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed on Wednesday during a session of the Legislative Council that the Maharashtra state government plans to approach the Central Government for amendments to the regulations established in 2008 that oversee explosive manufacturing facilities.

During a discussion held under Rule 93, the Chief Minister emphasized the critical need for incorporating automation in the handling of explosives to minimize human involvement and improve the safety of workers.

“Implementing automation is crucial in the management of explosives. This approach will not only reduce human intervention but also protect the lives of workers. The state government will prepare a comprehensive request to the Central Government aimed at revising the 2008 regulations concerning explosive factories,” he stated.

CM Fadnavis reported a tragic incident involving a massive explosion at a private explosives factory operated by SBL Energy Limited in Raulgaon, located in Katol taluka of Nagpur district, resulting in the deaths of 19 workers and injuries to 17 others.

In response to this disaster, he mentioned that the families of those who lost their lives would receive a compensation package comprising Rs 75 lakh from the company, Rs 5 lakh from the state, and Rs 2 lakh from the Central Government.

The injured workers will each be compensated with Rs 25 lakh, along with coverage for their medical expenses.

“Handling highly combustible materials demands extreme caution. Therefore, it is imperative to transition towards an automation-centric process to avert similar mishaps in the future. Reducing human involvement and establishing systems that facilitate robotic or fully automated operations is essential,” he added.

The forthcoming representation to the Central Government will propose revisions to existing rules, introduce methods to enhance worker safety via automation, and advocate for reduced human participation. These measures aim to prevent the reoccurrence of such catastrophic events,” the Chief Minister reiterated.

In another matter, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam addressed the Legislative Council, disclosing that a case has been filed in Pune against individuals found possessing narcotic substances intended for intoxication and illegal trade, lacking proper licenses or doctor prescriptions.

This issue was initially raised by member Chitra Wagh, with a follow-up from Abhijit Vanjari.

The Minister reported that charges have been filed against five individuals involved; two have been apprehended while searches for the remaining three suspects continue.

A charge sheet against all five has already been submitted to the court, he added.

Investigations indicated that the confiscated drugs were recognized medicines, but not procured from local pharmacies.

“Initial findings suggest these medications were sourced from outside the state. The investigation into the complete supply chain is ongoing. No counterfeit narcotics manufacturers have been identified within Pune city,” he explained.

According to the Minister, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is actively conducting inspections and enforcing strict measures against any violations of drug sale regulations throughout Pune and Maharashtra.