What Steps is Telangana Taking to Investigate the Sigachi Industries Explosion?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Telangana government has established a four-member expert committee for investigation.
- The explosion at Sigachi Industries resulted in 40 fatalities and numerous injuries.
- The committee is led by B. Venkateshwar Rao, an Emeritus Scientist.
- Investigations will focus on safety protocol compliance and causes of the explosion.
- A detailed report with recommendations is expected within a month.
Hyderabad, July 2 (NationPress) The government of Telangana has formed a four-member expert committee to investigate the devastating explosion that took place on Monday at Sigachi Industries located in Pashamylaram, resulting in the tragic loss of 40 workers and injuring numerous others.
Chaired by B. Venkateshwar Rao, an Emeritus Scientist at CSIR-IICT, the committee is tasked with uncovering the causes and detailing the events leading up to this catastrophic incident.
Members of the committee include T. Prathap Kumar, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IICT, Surya Narayana, a retired scientist from CSIR-CLRI, and Santosh Ghuge, a Safety Officer from CSIR-NCL, Pune.
On Wednesday, the Labour, Employment Training and Factories Department issued an order to establish the committee, which is expected to deliver a comprehensive report along with pertinent recommendations.
The order referenced a preliminary enquiry report received on Monday from the Director of Factories. This report indicated that the major explosion occurred at Sigachi Industries Limited, IDA, Phase-I, Pashamylaram, Patancheru Mandal, Sangareddy district, on June 30 at approximately 9:20 a.m.. The facility produces Microcrystalline Cellulose powder, a key component used in tablets and capsules as a binding agent.
The report further noted that there were 143 individuals present within the factory at the time of the explosion.
The expert committee will investigate whether the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for worker safety was adhered to at the facility. It will also determine if there were any lapses or violations regarding compliance with necessary chemical and industrial processes mandated for the company management.
The committee has been instructed to propose measures to avert similar incidents in the future within comparable chemical and pharmaceutical industrial units.
As per the Government Order, the committee will assess the management, staff, and workers of Sigachi Industries, as well as engage with various consultants, organizations, and relevant government officials throughout its investigation.
The committee has been mandated to present a detailed report with specific recommendations within one month.
The Director of Factories has been directed to assist the committee and provide any required information.