Following a devastating explosion at a firecracker factory in the Dewas district that claimed five lives, district administrations across western Madhya Pradesh launched coordinated inspection drives on Sunday. The operations aim to review safety compliance, licenses, and emergency preparedness in cracker manufacturing units and storage facilities.
Indore District Actions
In Indore, Collector Shivam Verma directed sub-divisional magistrates to inspect units within their jurisdictions. A joint task force led by the Mhow Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Police Officer inspected multiple locations. The team uncovered several violations of safety guidelines and inadequate worker protection measures. Authorities sealed three units, including Lakshmi Fireworks and Industry in Datoda, Satnam Fireworks in Simrol, and another manufacturing unit in Ghosikheda.
Dewas District Operations
The Dewas district administration deployed specialized inspection teams, resulting in the sealing of over half a dozen shops and warehouses. Naib Tehsildar Pooja Bhati ordered the closure of a residential-area shop operating directly opposite a high-voltage electricity distribution point.
Kshipra Region Seizures
In the Kshipra region, Naib Tehsildar Kapil Gujjar sealed Charbhuja Firecracker Shop after management failed to produce its stock register, building fitness certificate, and electrical or fire safety clearances. Unlabelled firecrackers were also seized. Another warehouse faced license cancellation proceedings after inspectors discovered large quantities of inflammable dry grass stored alongside explosives.
Alirajpur Raid
In Alirajpur, a police team from Kotwali station raided a residential property on Maulana Azad Marg following tip-offs regarding illegal storage. Law enforcement officials recovered 15 cartons containing assorted fireworks valued at Rs 1.18 lakh. The operator, Nitesh Gupta, was booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosives Act after failing to produce regulatory permits.
Khandwa Safety Audits
Khandwa district administration conducted safety audits across urban and rural sectors, including the Jai Ambe Traders Magazine in Sandalpur. Led by City Magistrate Bajrang Bahadur and CSP Abhinav Barange, officials verified stock registers, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. Authorities warned operators that maximum-capacity limits must be strictly maintained, noting that extreme summer temperatures significantly increase the risk of accidental thermal ignition.
