- Source – The Hindu
- Link – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/factory-accidents-a-pointer-to-rusty-inspection-reform/article68364037.ece
- Syllabus – GS Paper 02
- Topic – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation.
What is the issue?
Industrial accidents pose significant threats to lives, infrastructure, and the environment. Recent incidents, such as the reactor explosion in a chemical factory in Dombivli MIDC, Maharashtra, highlight the urgent need for reforms in the inspection process. This essay explores the recurring nature of industrial disasters, the challenges faced in inspections, and the way forward.
Recurring Accidents and Relocation Delay:
- Incidents: Fatal industrial accidents have occurred in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023.
- Relocation Issues: Despite the decision to relocate 156 chemical factories in the Dombivli MIDC area in 2022, the Maharashtra government failed to take timely action.
- Impact: These accidents have severe implications on lives and infrastructure, demanding immediate attention.
Disparity in Inspection Rates:
- State-Level Disparities: There is a significant gap between registered factories and inspection rates in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.
- Maharashtra Statistics:
- Only 23.89% of hazardous factories were inspected in 2021.
- General inspection rates were even lower at 8.04%.
- National Figures: Inspection rates were 14.65% for general factories and 26.02% for hazardous factories.
Personnel Shortage and Accountability:
- Inspector Shortage: The shortage of inspectors hampers effective oversight.
- Maharashtra Statistics: Only 39.34% of authorized officers were appointed.
- Lack of Accountability: Non-compliance among factory owners persists due to the lack of accountability.
Prosecution Rates and Deterrence:
- Low Prosecution Rates: Low prosecution rates reduce the deterrent effect of inspections.
- Gujarat: 6.95%
- Maharashtra: 13.84%
- Tamil Nadu: 14.45%
- Need for Robust Legal Consequences: Enforcing safety norms requires strong legal consequences.
Industrial Clusters and Reform Imperatives:
- Unique Challenges: Industrial clusters like Dombivli MIDC face unique challenges.
- Necessary Reforms: Comprehensive reforms, increased accountability, and prioritizing worker safety are crucial.
Industrial accidents are a wake-up call for better inspection practices and stricter enforcement. Bridging the gap between registered factories and actual inspections, addressing personnel shortages, and holding violators accountable are imperative. Meaningful reforms are essential to prevent tragic accidents and ensure a safer industrial landscape for all.
SOME BASICS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Major Industrial Disasters in India
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)
- The worst industrial disaster in history, caused by a gas leak from the Union Carbide pesticide plant.
- Over 3,700 immediate deaths.
- Thousands more suffered long-term health issues and disabilities.
- Chasnala Mining Disaster (1975)
- An explosion caused by methane gas in a coal mine, followed by a mine collapse.
- Approximately 700 miners died.
- Korba Chimney Collapse (2009)
- Collapse of a chimney under construction at a power plant.
- 45 workers killed.
- Mayapuri Radiological Incident (2010)
- Workers dismantled a radioactive research irradiator in a scrapyard without proper knowledge or equipment.
- Bombay Docks Explosion (1944)
- A cargo ship carrying explosives exploded in Mumbai harbor.
- Approximately 800 people killed and widespread damage to the docks and surrounding areas.
