VIJAYAWADA: In the wake of the devastating explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem village last month that left around 28 people dead and several others injured, the Andhra Pradesh government is moving towards a comprehensive overhaul of safety norms in the sector.
A high-level committee constituted by the State government has completed its field study and is expected to submit a detailed report shortly, outlining a series of corrective and preventive measures.
The committee comprising Fire Service department DG Venkata Ramana, EAGLE chief Ake Ravi Krishna and other officials from Revenue, labour, police, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and Factories was tasked with examining the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) followed in firecracker manufacturing units, both within the State and in other parts of the country.
As part of its assessment, the panel visited Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, India’s largest firecracker manufacturing hub, where it documented production processes, safety protocols, worker handling practices and regulatory enforcement mechanisms. Officials conducted an in-depth review of factory layouts, storage systems for explosive materials and emergency response preparedness.
Preliminary findings of the committee have raised serious concerns. Of the approximately 97 firecracker manufacturing units operating in AP, a significant number were found to be violating licence conditions and operating without adequate safety measures mandated under the Explosives Act and related guidelines.
Instances of poor infrastructure, overcrowded workspaces, lack of fire safety equipment and improper handling of raw materials were observed. In some cases, units were allegedly functioning with expired or improperly granted licences, pointing to regulatory lapses.
The committee is expected to recommend stringent action against erring officials who issued licences without proper verification or inspections.
It is also likely to call for periodic licence reviews to ensure continued compliance. Among key structural reforms proposed are the appointment of a dedicated nodal officer to monitor the sector, the creation of flying squad teams for surprise inspections, and enhanced coordination between the Labour department, Factories department and local administration.
Drawing from best practices observed in Sivakasi, the panel is likely to suggest mandatory installation of static electricity discharge systems, which are critical in preventing accidental ignition.
The report is expected to emphasise worker safety, including compulsory training programmes, use of protective gear, regulated working hours, and strict limits on the quantity of explosive material handled at any given time. Improved record-keeping, digital monitoring of licences, and the use of technology for real-time inspections may also be proposed.
The EAGLE chief noted that effective implementation of these measures could significantly reduce the risk of accidents and bring greater accountability into the system.
“The State government will review the recommendations and initiate policy changes aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future while ensuring safer working conditions in the industry,” he told TNIE.