Removal of civil and chemical debris initiated at Escientia Pharma

Visakhapatnam: A cleanup operation has begun at Escientia Advanced Sciences Pvt Ltd in Atchutapuram SEZ following a recent accident. Anakapalle District Collector Vijaya Krishnan formed a Safe Disposal of Hazards Committee, comprising officials from various departments, including Industries, Fire, R&D, Drug Control, Factories, and Boilers, to oversee the process. During discussions, the collector emphasised the importance of safe debris removal, which has now commenced.

Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories, Paidi Chinna Rao, stated that Escientia operates ten reactors, all of which were immediately shut down after the accident. The company’s standard operating procedure (SOP) for debris removal began on August 28, with close monitoring of progress.

Escientia holds a large stock of raw chemical materials, solvents, and powders for drug manufacturing. The SOP includes safely transporting these materials to warehouses. Following a recent fire, chemical fumes spread in some areas as stored water was used to extinguish the fire, and windows were broken to ventilate. The incident damaged the company’s lift, requiring hydraulic lifts and skilled personnel to handle heavy stocks. The company has requested a week to arrange these resources.

During the inspection, a solvent pumping reactor containing 700 litres of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) was found intact. Approximately 60 batches of raw materials are stored in 25-litre drums and need to be moved to a nearby storage area. To ensure safety, all personnel have been provided with personal protective equipment.