NGT Seeks Urgent Report from Govt. on Firecracker Unit Safety

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the central and state governments to submit a detailed safety compliance report for firecracker manufacturing units across India. This follows repeated accidents in fireworks factories, raising alarms about poor safety enforcement and illegal operations.

Why Did the NGT Step In?

The tribunal’s intervention comes after a deadly explosion at a Tamil Nadu firecracker factory, killing at least 10 workers. Similar incidents in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh have exposed lax safety measures in the industry.

The NGT has demanded clarity on:
✅ Licensing & Compliance – Are units following the Explosives Act, 1884, and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
✅ Storage & Handling – Are chemicals stored safely? Are workers trained?
✅ Victim Compensation – Are affected families receiving fair payouts?

Why Do Firecracker Accidents Keep Happening?

India’s fireworks hub, Sivakasi (Tamil Nadu), fuels a multi-crore industry, yet poor regulations and illegal factories lead to recurring disasters. Major concerns include:
⚠ Child Labor – Underage workers in hazardous conditions.
⚠ Untrained Workforce – Handling explosives without safety knowledge.
⚠ Illegal Units – Unlicensed factories operating in residential areas.

Government Actions & Loopholes

While laws exist—like bans on toxic chemicals (e.g., barium salts) and mandatory CCTV in factories—weak enforcement and corruption allow violations.

What’s Next?

The NGT has given a 4-week deadline for reports. Possible outcomes:
🔹 Heavy fines or shutdowns for violators.
🔹 Mandatory third-party safety audits.
🔹 Faster compensation for victims’ families.

Public & Industry Reactions

• Workers’ Unions demand better wages and insurance.
• Environmentalists push for eco-friendly “green crackers.”
• Manufacturers argue excessive rules hurt legal businesses.

Conclusion: Will This Bring Change?

The NGT’s move is crucial, but long-term enforcement is needed. Key steps:
✔ Stricter factory inspections.
✔ Crackdown on illegal units.
✔ Support for victims’ families.

Follow us for updates on firecracker safety regulations.