Lagatar24 Desk
Hyderabad: In the wake of a devastating explosion at a chemical factory in Anakapalle district, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has underscored the critical need for enhanced workplace safety in industries dealing with hazardous materials. The blast, which occurred on Wednesday, claimed the lives of 17 workers and left over 30 others injured, many of them critically.
Mr. Naidu, speaking to NDTV on Thursday, emphasized that safety protocols must be prioritized alongside industrial investment, especially in ‘red category’ industries—those with a high pollution index and potential hazards. “This is a very sad incident… we are shocked. It is very unfortunate,” he remarked, expressing his deep sorrow over the tragedy.
The Chief Minister visited the injured at the NTR Hospital and met with the families of the deceased, offering his condolences and support. “I cannot bring back the lives lost, but I will do everything possible to support the families. We have announced Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of the deceased, Rs 50 lakh for those with serious injuries, and Rs 25 lakh for those with minor injuries,” Mr. Naidu stated.
Following his hospital visit, Mr. Naidu inspected the site of the explosion and outlined a comprehensive plan to address the aftermath of the disaster and prevent similar incidents in the future. He announced the formation of a commission to investigate the incident thoroughly, examining all details, omissions, and lapses. “We want to analyze everything to ensure such tragedies do not happen again,” he said.
Mr. Naidu also criticized the previous state government, led by YSR Congress Party’s Jagan Mohan Reddy, for its failure to act on recommendations from a commission set up in response to past industrial accidents that resulted in 120 deaths over five years. “The previous government set up a commission but took no action. Now, I have to fix accountability and ensure industries, especially in the ‘red category,’ take necessary precautions,” he added.
Addressing concerns about the impact of stricter safety regulations on industrial investment in Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister asserted that while ease of doing business is important, it must not come at the expense of worker safety. “Industries should not feel harassed, but safety protocols are essential. If they had been followed in Anakapalle, this tragedy could have been avoided,” he concluded.
The tragic incident has brought to light the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety standards in hazardous industries across Andhra Pradesh, with the state government now taking steps to ensure such measures are implemented effectively.
