The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal has ordered urgent inspection of all firecracker units in Virudhunagar district in response to multiple reports of recurring accidents and regulatory violations. It has directed the constitution of two separate teams to conduct thorough inspections and submit detailed findings within ten days.
One of the two teams, one of the inspection teams will be headed by the Chief Controller of Explosives from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), while the other will be led by the District Collector or District Revenue Officer of Virudhunagar.
The teams are directed to work independently and report on licensing compliance, adherence to safety norms, regular inspections by authorities, and any other violations observed during the inspections.
Hearing a cluster of suo motu cases on recent explosions in firecracker units across Tamil Nadu, especially in the Virudhunagar district, the bench, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati, noted that there seems to be no check on these units regarding the conditions imposed and the blatant violations committed by firecracker them.
The bench noted that several units are operating without proper licenses and are violating safety protocols. According to a report submitted by the Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives, at least 16 sheds that were approved for specific purposes have been misused, with one unit occupying six additional sheds without proper authorisation. Unauthorised use of materials such as plastic balls and iron sieves, as well as encroachment into designated safety zones, has also been reported.
“What is more alarming is that the occupier or the owner is not acquainted with the rules and regulations governing the explosive manufacturing factory, covered under the explosive rules and conditions of license. The units are also not engaging certified foremen in the fireworks factory for effective supervision and compliance of safety norms during the process of manufacture,” the bench noted.
In its report, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) clarified that the storage of explosives does not fall under its consent mechanism and that firecracker manufacturing units do not generate emissions or wastewater. However, the bench expressed concern over the lack of a single regulatory body ensuring continuous oversight and enforcement.
The bench has also urged the Tamil Nadu government to consider making insurance coverage mandatory for workers in firecracker units to ensure compensation and support in the event of accidents. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on July 22, 2025, by which time the two teams are expected to submit their inspection reports and recommendations.
Published – July 11, 2025 12:26 am IST
