Congress Leader Condemns Maharashtra Government Over Nagpur Factory Explosion
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar launched a sharp critique against the Maharashtra government in the state assembly on Wednesday, attributing the deadly explosion at the SBL Energy factory in Nagpur district to "official apathy". He connected this incident to a broader pattern of industrial accidents that have resulted in loss of lives in the past, demanding immediate governmental action.
Pattern of Industrial Accidents Highlighted
Raising an adjournment motion and calling for an urgent discussion, the Bramhapuri MLA asserted that the blast was not an isolated event but part of a disturbing trend of preventable industrial disasters. "The explosion at the SBL company in Nagpur and the loss of lives is extremely tragic and deeply disturbing. Instead of ensuring safety, the government seems content with making announcements," Wadettiwar stated emphatically.
The senior Congress leader informed the House that Nagpur district alone houses 11 explosives factories. He claimed that over the past 18 months, at least 40 workers, including 25 women, have perished in blasts across these units. Referring specifically to the recent Sunday explosion, he noted that 19 workers were killed in that incident alone.
Questioning Worker Safety and Government Response
Wadettiwar highlighted the dire working conditions, pointing out that many laborers risk their lives for daily wages as low as Rs 300. "Has the life of the poor become so cheap for this government?" he questioned, challenging the administration's commitment to worker welfare.
He revealed that repeated requests had been made to both central and state governments to conduct comprehensive safety audits of explosives factories, yet no concrete action has been taken. On regulatory oversight, Wadettiwar criticized the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), whose office is located merely 10 kilometers away from the site, for failing to conduct serious inspections.
Demands for Accountability and Systemic Change
"What are factory inspectors and the labor department doing despite these recurring accidents?" he demanded, underscoring the apparent negligence. Wadettiwar argued that victim families need assurances about safety rather than mere compensation announcements. "Will declaring Rs 15 lakh or Rs 50 lakh bring back the lives lost?" he asked rhetorically.
Further alleging administrative failures, Wadettiwar pointed out that the factory where the explosion occurred lacked even a proper approach road. He called for strict action against those responsible to prevent future tragedies.
Assembly Speaker Orders Discussion
In response, Speaker Rahul Narwekar acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and directed that a detailed discussion be held through a calling attention motion by Friday, indicating potential legislative follow-up on the matter.
