Chandrababu Naidu says strict norms will be enforced after Kakinada firecracker factory blast

Vijayawada: Declaring that stringent norms will be enforced to prevent the recurrence of firecracker factory tragedies, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu made it clear that tough action will be initiated against all those responsible for such incidents. Making a statement in the Assembly on Wednesday, Naidu observed that the devastating firecracker factory explosion in Kakinada district was very unfortunate and deeply distressing.The chief minister said that 26 people lost their lives in the explosion at the Suryashree Fireworks unit, while 6 others are undergoing treatment in hospitals. Naidu said the licence for Suryashree Fireworks was granted during the previous YSRCP regime. The unit allegedly manufactured firecrackers in violation of norms and stored explosive material far beyond the permissible limits. Around 30 workers were employed at the factory, and large-scale production was reportedly undertaken, citing heavy orders. "Producing excess explosive material out of greed is inhuman," the chief minister said, adding that negligence and avarice led to the tragedy.The chief minister, who was on a tour of Vizianagaram district, rushed to the accident site immediately after receiving information. Police and fire services reached the spot within 30 minutes of the blast, he said. A case was registered against the accused, and an investigation is underway.Expressing profound grief, Naidu said an ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh was granted to the kin of each deceased. He said that houses will be constructed for those without shelter, and the govt will extend all possible assistance to the affected families.CM said that the govt suspended the Peddapuram RDO, DSP, the Fire Officer, and the Labour Officer concerned. A high-level committee comprising Municipal Administration Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar and IG Ramakrishna was constituted to probe the incident. The chief minister said the properties of the accused would be auctioned, and the proceeds handed over to the victims' families. The govt will also act firmly against other instances of negligence and crimes against women, he added. "We have an opposition which unfortunately abstained from discussing such grave issues and created a ruckus in the Council over Tirupati Laddu, despite committing a grave sin with Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy's prasadam," Naidu chided.