Tirupati Tightens Industrial Safety After Fatal Accidents

Tirupati: In response to three recent fatal industrial accidents, Tirupati district authorities have issued stringent directives to local industries, emphasising the critical need for enhanced safety protocols and emergency preparedness. District collector Dr S. Venkateswar and superintendent of police (SP) L. Subba Rayudu convened an urgent meeting with industry representatives and key government departments at the District Collectorate on Wednesday to address the growing concerns over industrial safety.

"Recent tragedies have underscored the absolute necessity of rigorous safety standards in our industries,” stated Dr. Venkateswar. “We cannot afford to be complacent when lives are at stake. It is imperative that all industrial establishments, particularly those classified as hazardous, implement and maintain the highest safety protocols,” he explained.

The district is home to 12 MAH-A (extremely hazardous) category industries and 107 MAH-B1 and MAH-B2 category industries. Authorities have mandated that all facilities conduct thorough safety audits, address identified issues promptly, and visibly display their safety compliance status on-site. SP Subba Rayudu emphasised the importance of robust security and disaster management plans.

Key directives issued during the meeting include immediate reporting of any industrial incidents to district authorities, regular fire drills and safety training for all employees, maintenance and accessibility of up-to-date rescue equipment, implementation of recommendations from safety audits and appointment of qualified safety officers in all industrial units.

Industry representatives at the meeting pledged their commitment to enhancing safety measures. However, they also raised concerns about infrastructure, particularly the need for improved road connectivity to industrial areas, which they argue is crucial for emergency response.