TELANGANA: Pashamilaram Blast: Experts Probe Causes, Safety Lapses
Formation of Expert Committee
The Telangana state government has constituted an expert committee to investigate the catastrophic explosion at Sigachi Industries in Pashamilaram, Sangareddy district. Chaired by esteemed CSIR scientist B. Venkateswara Rao, the panel includes Chief Scientist T. Pratap Kumar, retired scientist Suryanarayana, and Pune-based safety officer Santosh Ghuge. This high-level team is tasked with a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
Mandate and Objectives
The committee’s primary objective is to ascertain the causes of the explosion that claimed 12 lives and injured several others on July 2, 2025. It will scrutinize compliance with factory safety regulations and evaluate operational lapses. A detailed report, including preventive recommendations, is expected within 30 days.
Scope of Investigation
The panel will probe the operational and safety protocols at Sigachi Industries, focusing on chemical handling and emergency preparedness. It aims to identify systemic failures that led to the tragedy. The Directorate of Factories has been directed to provide full cooperation to facilitate the investigation.
Preventive Measures Sought
Beyond determining the cause, the committee is mandated to propose robust measures to avert future industrial accidents in chemical facilities. These recommendations will guide policy reforms to enhance safety standards across Telangana’s industrial sector. The government’s proactive stance underscores its commitment to worker safety.
On-Site Response and Oversight
Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, along with industry representatives, visited the explosion site to assess the situation. Debris clearance has commenced, signaling the start of recovery efforts. The government’s swift response aims to restore normalcy while ensuring accountability.
Implications for Industrial Safety
The Pashamilaram incident has spotlighted the urgent need for stringent safety protocols in chemical industries. The committee’s findings could reshape regulatory frameworks, prioritizing worker safety and risk mitigation. Public and industry stakeholders await the report with keen interest.