The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has mandated the shutdown of the production facility at Premier Explosives Ltd in Peddakandukur village, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, and instructed the disconnection of electricity supply to the unit. This decision came after the board determined that the company had not implemented sufficient measures to avert fire and explosion incidents.
Background of the Incidents
The order, released on May 16, 2026, stems from a fire accident that occurred on April 20, 2026, in Building No. C-11, as well as a prior fire reported on August 12, 2025, in the Emulsion Explosive (EM)-I building. The board stated that the company had not adhered to earlier directives and had failed to enforce adequate safety protocols to prevent such occurrences.
Details of the April 20 Fire
According to the TGPCB, the fire on April 20 erupted during the preparation of a pyrotechnic composition involving Red Lead, Silicon, and Lacquer. Workers were manually premixing a 16 kg batch. When the premixed composition was being added to a sigma mixer containing NC lacquer, a fire suddenly broke out.
Two workers, Kranthi Kumar and T Yellaiah, sustained burn injuries and were treated at a hospital.
Previous Fire and Compliance Issues
Earlier, on August 12, 2025, a fire incident occurred at the EM-I building. In response, the TGPCB issued formal directions on September 10, 2025, requiring the company to cease operations in that building until necessary permissions were obtained and recommendations from the factories department were followed. Although a company representative claimed during a May 2026 hearing that these permissions had been secured, the board noted that the actual copy of the factories department approval was not submitted for verification. This lack of documented compliance, combined with the subsequent fire in 2026, led the board to conclude that the company had not taken adequate safety measures.
Penalties and Directives
The TGPCB ordered the forfeiture of a bank guarantee of ₹48 lakh for non-compliance with safety directions. The company has been directed to submit a fresh bank guarantee of ₹48 lakh to ensure future compliance, along with an additional ₹48 lakh bank guarantee to recoup the forfeited amount.
The board has requested the director general of fire services to conduct a safety audit and suggest preventive measures. Premier Explosives Ltd has also been instructed to conduct periodic mock drills at least once every six months and to submit reports to the board.
Conditions for Revocation
The TGPCB stated that additional safety measures must be implemented to ensure safe operations before any revocation of the closure order can be considered.
Legal Warnings
The board warned that if the company continues to operate despite the closure and power disconnection orders, it will face prosecution under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. Violations attract imprisonment ranging from one-and-a-half years to six years and a fine.
