Solan Industrial Safety Audit: Task Force to Scrutinize Baddi, Barotiwala, Nalagarh Industries

A joint task force will conduct a safety audit of industrial units in Solans Baddi, Barotiwala, and Nalagarh belt, following a deadly fire incident in Baddi. The task force aims to ensure compliance with fire and labor safety norms.

In the wake of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of five people and injured 30 others in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, the state government has taken swift action to ensure the safety of industrial units in the region. Industry Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan announced the formation of a joint task force comprising various departments to carry out a comprehensive safety audit of all industrial units in the Baddi, Barotiwala, and Nalagarh industrial belt in Solan district.

Task Force to Submit Report in One Month

The task force has been tasked with conducting a thorough inspection of industrial units and submitting a detailed report within one month. The minister emphasized the need for strict adherence to fire and labor safety norms to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

Irregularities and Criminal Negligence

During his visit to the site, Chauhan revealed that the perfume manufacturing company involved in the fire had committed several irregularities. The chemicals used by the company were neither registered with the pollution department nor the excise department. He attributed the fire to the criminal negligence of the company and assured that appropriate action would be taken against those responsible.

Safety Measures and Self-Declaration Form

The task force will focus on ensuring that all industrial units have adequate safety measures in place, including proper fire equipment and emergency exits. The minister also announced the introduction of a self-declaration form with 10-12 parameters related to safety measures, chemical usage, and other relevant details. This form will be mandatory for all industrial units in the region.

Ongoing Firefighting Efforts and Search Operation

Despite ongoing efforts, the fire that broke out at the factory in Baddi has not yet been fully extinguished. State forensic services Director Meenakshi Mahajan explained that the chemical fire requires cutting off the oxygen supply to be controlled. The search operation for missing individuals continues, with five people still unaccounted for. A special investigation team (SIT) along with teams from NDRF, SDRF, and FSL experts is conducting the search operation.

DNA Analysis and Identification of Victims

Human body samples have been collected for DNA analysis to assist in identifying the victims. Four of the five deceased have been identified, while one body remains unidentified. Family members of the missing individuals are urged to come forward and provide DNA samples to aid in the identification process.

Arrest Warrants Issued and Investigation Ongoing

Efforts are underway to apprehend the company's owner, Nilesh Patel, and two others who have been issued non-bailable warrants by the Court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Nalagarh. Earlier, two individuals associated with the factory were arrested, and an FIR was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Family Members Demand Justice

Family members and friends of the missing people have gathered outside the factory, expressing their grief and demanding justice. Barricades were put up to prevent them from entering the premises, but they were later allowed inside.

Central Forensic Science Laboratory to Join Investigation

A team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Chandigarh will join the investigation on Tuesday. The Solan Deputy Commissioner has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

The government's prompt response and the formation of the task force demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety of industrial units and preventing similar tragedies in the future.