High-level panel to probe Dombivli factory blast, says Uday Samant
According to the minister, the blast caused an estimated loss of around Rs 13 crore, including a commercial loss of Rs 12 crore and residential loss of Rs 1.66 crore.
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In view of similar incidents in some factories situated in the Dombivali MIDC area in the past, local people have been demanding that companies be shifted to other locations. (Express Photo by Deepak Joshi)The Maharashtra government has formed a high-level committee to investigate the explosion at a chemical unit MIDC in Dombivli on May 23 that claimed 10 lives, Industries Minister Uday Samant said Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Samant said the committee, comprising principal secretaries of Industries, Labour and Environment departments, will review industries in categories A, B, and C and submit a report in three weeks. The committee will also scrutinise companies that have violated regulations or engaged in unauthorised construction.
He said that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the blast site and issued specific instructions that will be strictly followed by the committee and officials concerned.
Samant said that a decision was taken two years ago to relocate MIDC and its chemical companies. The process of land acquisition at Patalganga, Jambhavali that was initiated was halted due to the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections. “The ministry will now write to the Election Commission, requesting permission to proceed with the relocation process,” he added.
According to the minister, the blast caused an estimated loss of around Rs 13 crore, including a commercial loss of Rs 12 crore and residential loss of Rs 1.66 crore. “The Maharashtra government is committed to covering these losses and will bear the expenses of those affected. Companies with insurance may not need immediate government assistance,” Samant said.
“Efforts are underway to relocate companies to the MIDC and chemical zones in the state. The government is taking steps to ensure that companies adhering to the rules do not suffer losses during the transition,” he added.
On allegations from opposition leaders regarding GAIL’s exit from Maharashtra, Samant clarified that the company had not submitted a complete proposal to the state government. “GAIL initially requested land in Ratnagiri, which was unavailable at the time. When availability was confirmed, GAIL officials cited previous protests and political pressure as reasons for not pursuing the refinery proposal further,” he added.
Claiming that the Chief Minister’s Employment Scheme has fostered creation of thousands of entrepreneurs and jobs, Samant urged the opposition to consider these achievements and avoid politicising the issue. Magnetic Maharashtra, a major investment programme scheduled in August or September, is expected to bring significant investments and create numerous employment opportunities in the state, he said.
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