In the wake of the major explosion and fire at Sigachi Industries that led to high casualties, the Factories Department of the Government of Telangana conducted a sensitisation and awareness programme at the District Collectorate, Medchal-Malkajgiri, on Thursday.
The meeting focused on strengthening industrial safety standards, particularly in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
The meeting, chaired by Radhika Gupta, Additional District Collector (Local Bodies), was aimed at promoting self-certification and coordinated inspections of high-risk category factories.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Gupta, stated that following the major explosion and fire at Sigachi Industries, the government has constituted district-level inspection committees. These panels include officials from the Factories Department, Industries Department, Boilers Department, Labour Department, Pollution Control Board and Fire Services. Their task is to carry out inspections under the sensitisation programme.
She instructed that chemical and pharmaceutical factories be prioritised in the first phase, followed by other hazardous industries. Ms Gupta urged factory management to upgrade their existing safety systems to prevent accidents. She also directed the district committee to conduct further awareness drives within local industrial clusters, in coordination with factory managements. Additionally, she emphasised the need to develop custom safety modules suitable for different types of industries.
Y Mohan Babu, Director of Factories, reinforced the government’s position of strict enforcement of safety norms without causing undue harassment to factory owners. He highlighted that many safety mechanisms can be implemented with minimal investment and could prevent major losses, including loss of life. He called on industries to rectify issues immediately and pointed out key measures such as installing explosion relief panels, safety valves and rupture discs.
N. Srinivasa Rao, Director of Boilers, noted that the meeting aimed to foster a strong safety culture within factory management. He urged industries to view safety as a priority rather than a compliance formality.
M. Manohar Reddy, Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories, Medchal-Malkajgiri, stressed the importance of the programme in preventing future industrial mishaps. The event saw participation from senior officials of the Labour, Pollution Control, Industries and Fire Departments, and was attended by representatives from over 100 factory managements across the district.
Published – August 07, 2025 07:36 pm IST
