In the aftermath of a devastating fire that engulfed a cracker godown-cum-shop in Attibele, a border town in Bengaluru Urban district, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken swift action by suspending three officials and issuing notices to others, raising concerns about safety regulations and adherence to green cracker guidelines.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of 14 individuals and left three others critically injured. According to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a truckload of crackers had arrived at the godown and was being unloaded by workers, primarily poor students from Tamil Nadu, who were earning ₹600 per day for their labor.
The Chief Minister disclosed that the shopkeeper possessed a license to sell crackers but not for storing them in a godown. The shopkeeper had accumulated a substantial quantity of 7,000 to 8,000 kilograms of crackers, which had been procured from Tamil Nadu.
Siddaramaiah cited lapses on the part of the Anekal Tahsildar, the jurisdictional police inspector, and the regional fire officer. Consequently, he ordered their suspension. Notices have also been sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban district, who had issued the license to the shop owner, and the Superintendent of Police, seeking explanations regarding the incident.
Referring to Supreme Court guidelines on the use of green crackers, Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for action against those who fail to comply with these regulations. He directed all relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to the Explosives Act and the Supreme Court’s guidelines on green crackers.
In light of the approaching festivals of Dasara and Deepavali, the Chief Minister announced that cracker licenses will now be renewed on an annual basis, departing from the previous practice of a five-year duration. Additionally, Siddaramaiah has instructed officials to impose a ban on crackers during political events, processions, weddings, and Ganesha festivals.
The Karnataka government has already pledged a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased victims and free medical treatment for the four injured individuals.
The tragic fire has underscored the importance of stringent safety measures and adherence to guidelines, especially during festivals where accidents involving fireworks can lead to injuries and loss of lives.
Sources By Agencies
