Ahmedabad Firecracker Factory Fire: 32 Units Sealed, Owners Abscond After Inspections
Following a deadly fire at an illegal firecracker factory in Ahmedabad's Vastral area on July 18, which claimed 10 lives and injured five others, the city's authorities conducted a massive inspection drive over two days. Between July 19 and 20, a joint team from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, the Estate department, and the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) inspected 299 units suspected of being involved in manufacturing or storing firecrackers.
During the inspections, officials found that owners of several units had closed their establishments and fled. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) confirmed that 32 units were sealed for violations. The crackdown focused on areas including Vastral, Odhav, Naroda, and other parts of the city where such units are often operated illegally.
The July 18 incident highlighted the rampant disregard for safety norms in the firecracker industry. The factory, operating illegally in a residential area, lacked basic fire safety measures and licenses. Investigations revealed that the unit was storing large quantities of chemicals, which led to the explosion.
Authorities have warned of strict action against violators. The AMC stated that owners who are absconding will be traced and booked under relevant sections of law. The inspections are part of a broader effort to prevent such tragedies and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Meanwhile, the families of the deceased have demanded compensation and strict punishment for those responsible. The state government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to each family. The opposition has criticized the administration for failing to curb illegal activities despite previous warnings.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for stringent enforcement of industrial safety laws, especially in densely populated urban areas. Experts have called for a comprehensive audit of all hazardous units and a crackdown on illegal operations to prevent future loss of life.
