District-level safety committee for Red and Orange zone industries: Minister Anita

VISAKHAPATNAM: State home minister Vangalapudi Anita said that industrialists should implement comprehensive safety measures to prevent accidents. She noted that many incidents, particularly in bulk drug units involving reactors, could be attributed to a lack of safety equipment in some industries.

During a review meeting in Anakapalli with officials and industrialists, she called for action against industries lacking safety kits. She also announced that a district-level safety committee would be established to oversee companies operating in the Red and Orange Zones.

Anita urged industrialists to regularly conduct mock drills and ensure that safety kits are available to employees. Industrialists were advised to cooperate in protecting both workers and the public, and to provide proper safety training for employees.

The minister highlighted that the government has compensated the families of those affected by the Escientia Pharma explosion and the injured. She criticized the YSRCP president for allegedly spreading falsehoods about the rescue and compensation efforts and questioned the handling of Rs. 150 crore from LG Polymers and the unfulfilled promise of a super specialty hospital by the previous government.

Anakapalli MP CM Ramesh emphasized the importance of balancing industrial development with safety, recommending the use of technology such as sensors for detecting leaks and odors. He also stressed the need for proper training for both officials and industry employees.

The meeting included participation from Collector Vijaya Krishnan, District SP M Deepika Patil, MLAs Bandaru Satyanaryana Murthy, Sundarapu Vijay Kumar, Panchakarla Ramesh Babu, Joint Collector M Jahnavi, the district industries department, factory owners, the Pollution Control Board, APIIC, industrialists, and other district officials.