NewKerala.com

Kakinada Firecracker Blast: CM Naidu Announces ₹20L Aid, Suspends 4 Officials

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced an ex-gratia of ₹20 lakh for the families of each victim killed in the Kakinada firecracker unit explosion. He suspended four officials, including the RDO and DSP, citing gross negligence and vowed to prosecute those responsible. The CM stated the government will also support the injured and provide education and housing for victims' families. He announced plans for stricter safety norms, including CCTV surveillance, to prevent future tragedies.

Key Points: Kakinada Firecracker Blast: ₹20L Aid, Officials Suspended

  • ₹20 lakh ex-gratia for each bereaved family
  • Four officials suspended for negligence
  • Inquiry ordered, stricter safety norms promised
  • Blast killed 20, many critically injured
3 min read

Kakinada firecracker blast: CM Naidu announces ₹20 lakh ex-gratia, suspends four officials

AP CM Chandrababu Naidu announces ₹20 lakh ex-gratia, suspends 4 officials after Kakinada firecracker blast kills 20. Inquiry ordered.

"The firecracker incident is very unfortunate and deeply tragic... Steps will be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring. - Chandrababu Naidu"

Kakinada, February 28

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced an ex-gratia of ₹20 lakh for the families of the people who lost their lives in the tragic firecracker explosion in Kakinada on Saturday. The Chief Minister, who visited the injured victims at GGH, expressed serious concern over the negligence of local officials and announced the suspension of four individuals in a subsequent press meet. He assured the victims and their families of full government support during this difficult time.

The CM assured the victims that the government would stand by them and provide full support. He also expressed serious concern over the negligence of local officials. In a press meet, he announced the suspension of four officials.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Chandrababu said, "The firecracker incident is very unfortunate and deeply tragic. So far, 20 people have died, while 9 remain in critical condition; two are out of danger. Among the victims are 12 SCs and 9 women. They had gone for daily wage work to earn their livelihood. The government is taking the incident very seriously. A similar incident occurred recently; this is the second such tragedy. Steps will be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future."

"A detailed inquiry will be conducted, and responsibility will be fixed. The RDO, DSP, District Labour Officer, and Fire Officer are being suspended. Further action will be taken against other concerned officials after the inquiry. Some people have become reckless and are playing with public lives; they will not only be arrested but also prosecuted. Their properties will also be seized and handed over to the victims; such negligence will not be tolerated. The state government will provide ₹20 lakh financial assistance to each bereaved family. The Centre has announced ₹2 lakh compensation," CM added.

He further stated that the government will also support those who are severely injured."Children of victims will be provided with education in residential schools. Houses will be built for families without homes. Though we cannot bring back those who died, we will support their families. Prayers were offered for the peace of the departed souls, said CM.

"Workers were hired after permissions were granted, but safety precautions were not followed. Necessary safety measures were ignored despite the presence of explosive materials. A survey will be conducted to identify all firecracker units. Existing procedures are inadequate; CCTV cameras will be installed and connected to control rooms. Permission norms for firecracker units will be made stricter," CM stated.

At least eighteen people have died after a fire broke out in a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district, on Saturday. The condition of several injured persons is reported to be critical. Sagili Shan Mohan, Collector & District Magistrate have informed about th incident earlier.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Suspending officials is a good first step, but it's a reactive measure. Why do we wait for tragedies to happen? The CM says this is the second such incident. The inquiry must be transparent and lead to real systemic change in safety regulations for all hazardous industries.
R
Rohit P
The promise to educate the children in residential schools and build houses is commendable. This is the kind of long-term support that truly helps. Hope the administration follows through. My thoughts are with the families in Kakinada.
A
Aman W
Strict norms and CCTV cameras are all good on paper. The real issue is enforcement and the "chalta hai" attitude. Officials give permissions but never check on safety. Until that culture of accountability changes, these incidents will keep happening. Very sad.
M
Michael C
While the compensation and suspensions are appropriate responses, I respectfully question if the root cause is being addressed. These are often small, unregulated units operating in residential areas. A comprehensive survey and relocation plan for such industries is needed, not just stricter permissions for existing unsafe locations.
K
Kavya N
Heart-wrenching to read about the women and SC victims. They take up the most dangerous jobs for survival. The government's support must be sensitive and sustained. Hope the seized properties of the negligent owners actually benefit the victims as promised. Om Shanti.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50