File report on preventing accidents in fireworks units: HC to state

Madurai: Madras high court on Tuesday directed the state govt to file a detailed report on suggestions to prevent recurring accidents in fireworks units. The direction comes in the aftermath of the blast at fireworks unit in Kattanarpatti village in Virudhunagar district on April 19, which claimed the lives of 25 people.A division bench of justice N Sathish Kumar and justice M Jothiraman orally observed that it is very unfortunate that almost every month such incidents are reported and many of the victims were women. When people are engaged in such work, which is hazardous in nature, they should have adequate insurance of more than 25 lakh. Only when the workers are insured should they be engaged for work. Since extreme hot climate could cause such explosions, the possibility of temporarily stopping the production during peak summer season could also be explored, the judges remarked orally.A few advocates also submitted that such incidents are reported due to lapses on part of the authorities, who fail to monitor the units, which operate with several violations. The state submitted that the govt provided 5 lakh each to the family members of the deceased workers. The state further submitted that the govt would also come up with suggestions to prevent such recurring accidents in the fireworks units.The judges also asked the advocates to file suggestions in this regard and posted the matter for hearing on June 8.