Trinamool Congress President and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (File Photo/PTI)
The Chief Minister’s visit to Agra also includes meeting the families of the victims affected by the explosion in the illegal firecracker factory last week.
A day before West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s visit to Egra in Purba Medinipur district, where 12 people were killed in a major explosion at an illegal firecracker factory last week, the state’s chief secretary held a meeting with district magistrates, commissioners and superintendents of police. Had a meeting with All districts on legalizing firecrackers
The Chief Minister’s visit to Agra also includes meeting the families of the victims affected by the explosion in the illegal firecracker factory last week.
legalize firecrackers
The government is currently in the process of legalizing firecracker factories. During a meeting, it was decided that a simple Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) would be prepared for manufacturers to expedite the licensing process.
To facilitate this, District Magistrates (DMs) have been tasked with identifying suitable land, preferably close to existing areas, and ensuring their safety, for setting up firecracker manufacturing facilities.
According to sources, it has been decided to start online application system for obtaining license in the firecracker industry. District Magistrates (DMs) have been instructed to provide guidance and support and some registered organizations will be involved in implementing the programme.
In a recent meeting, following a decision taken during the cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister on Monday, it was decided that clusters would be set up in areas identified as hotspots for manufacturing illegal firecrackers.
The government has decided to specifically allow the manufacture of green crackers.
A team of stakeholders has been sent to Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu to study the existing setup and make recommendations, to determine the layout of the clusters and ensure effective implementation. This team will receive special training from experts in Sivakasi in the first week of June.
According to sources in the administration, considering the significant number of people, about 10 lakh, who are currently engaged in the firecracker industry, it is time to explore alternative employment opportunities and ensure a smooth transition towards legalization of the green firecracker industry. is required.
On May 16, a massive explosion took place at Egra in Purba Medinipur, killing 12 people. The main accused among the dead was Bhanu Bagh, who had fled to Orissa. However, he died during his time in hiding. After the incident, the case was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
Three members of a family were killed at Budge Budge in South 24 Parganas on Monday after the Egra blast and two people died in a massive fire at a carbide godown in Malda district on Tuesday.
