State to study Sivakasi model to improve safety norms; Vetlapalem toll rises to 21

Vetlapalem (Kakinada): The death toll in the Vetlapalem firecracker unit blast rose to 21 on Sunday with the passing of Lova Raju. One patient with minor injuries is being treated at the government hospital in Samalkot, while eight critically injured victims are under care at Govt General Hospital (GGH), Kakinada. GGH superintendent Dr. Lavanya Kumari said most patients suffered burns covering over 90 percent of their bodies.Investigations reveal the unit violated multiple safety norms. Permitted to produce only 15 kg of firecrackers a day, nearly 800 kg were stored to meet festival orders for a temple jatara. Located in paddy fields with narrow roads, the site delayed fire engines and ambulances. Though licensed for eight workers, 30 labourers — mostly unskilled and from marginalised communities — were employed.
State labour minister Vasamsetti Subash visited victims at GGH and announced that a team will study safety practices in Sivakasi. He recalled that after a previous incident in Rayavaram, which claimed 10 lives, regulations were tightened. Mandal-level committees including the Tehsildar, police, fire, and labour officials inspect centers every three months. Units must obtain LE-3 permission from the labour department, maintain 45 metres between manufacturing and storage points, use dry platforms, limit raw materials to 15 kg, and provide insurance for workers."There are 488 firecracker units statewide. While owners have sought relaxation of regulations, issuing NOCs remains strictly governed. In Vetlapalem, the owner, driven by festival profits, stored excessive quantities of firecrackers," Subash said.