India’s fireworks industry has been marred by a series of deadly accidents, claiming numerous lives and injuring many more. The latest incident in Gujarat’s Vadodara district resulted in 21 fatalities and several injuries. This tragic event has brought attention to the alarming frequency of such accidents in India’s fireworks factories.
A Look at the Statistics
According to various media reports, approximately 40 people have lost their lives in fireworks factory accidents across India this year alone. The majority of these incidents have occurred in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district, which is notorious for its fireworks manufacturing units.
Causes of Accidents
Investigations into these accidents have revealed a common thread – the blatant disregard for safety norms and regulations. Many of these factories operate without proper licenses, and those that do often flout safety guidelines. The use of excessive explosives, inadequate training for workers, and poor maintenance of equipment are some of the primary causes of these accidents.
Regulatory Lapses
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has identified regulatory lapses as a significant contributor to these accidents. In 2021, the NGT constituted a committee to investigate a devastating accident in Virudhunagar, which claimed 27 lives. The committee’s report highlighted the gross negligence of safety norms and the lack of effective regulation.
Preventing Future Accidents
To prevent such accidents, the NGT committee has recommended several measures, including:
– Regular drone surveillance of fireworks factories
– Mandatory safety training for workers
– Ensuring that factories operate within designated areas
– Imposing hefty penalties (at least ₹50 lakh) on factories that violate safety norms
– Implementing public liability insurance for all factories
The recurring accidents in India’s fireworks factories are a stark reminder of the need for stringent regulation and enforcement. It is imperative that the government takes concrete steps to address these concerns and ensures that the safety of workers and surrounding communities is prioritized.
