“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity.
The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.”

In what seems to be almost infectious, barely three weeks after the blast at a chemical unit in Dombivli MIDC area that left 17 dead and an unspecified injured, another chemical factory “Indo Amines” in the vicinity; followed suit although there were no casualties. According to officials of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), the fire broke out around 10.15 am in Malde Capacitors manufacturing company yesterday (June 12, 2024) due to suspected short-circuit and spread to the Indo Amine chemical company located nearby. The fire spread rapidly, triggering some small-intensity blasts with thick plumes of smoke seen from far.

In an earlier piece, The Resource 24×7 highlighted how the residential areas nestled close to these units scattered in the MIDC area are sitting on powder keg. The fact that there were no casualties does not take away from the gravity of the incident as more than 11 fire tenders had to be summoned to douse the fire. What was alarming was the presence of a school nearby which had the mortification of seeing three of its school vans gutted in the fire. The official version is MIDC officials are conducting a probe to find the cause behind the fire.

Post-incident, the area witnessed the all-familiar drill. At least two dozen workers were present in the two companies in neighbourhood but they managed to scurry to safety. The local administration evacuated nearby companies as well. Abhinav School located in the vicinity was also closed and children were sent home. Residents in the area complained of respiratory issues, they were moved to a safe place till the fire was extinguished.

The moot questions are: Have the lessons been learnt from the earlier incident which should have served as a strident warning bell, and, whether the process to relocate hazardous chemical units has been initiated and is fast enough before another disaster strikes? Or will it get stuck in red tape and residents in the area spend sleepless nights of an impending disaster?

One expects the government to conduct a fire safety audit of these companies forthwith. The relocation process, howsoever tough and faced with the prospects of protests from entrenched units, should be expedited in larger interests. After the Amudan incident, the government has already formed a high-power committee headed by Principal Secretary (Industries), which is conducting a survey to segregate over 250 companies under various categories with respect to the danger it poses to citizens and chalk out a plan to move them to Ambernath MIDC.

Time and again, alarms have been raised but also sparked concerns about industrial safety standards and emergency response mechanisms in the area. This incident once again underscores the inherent dangers associated with chemical manufacturing facilities and the imperative need for stringent safety protocols. The entire phenomenon calls for introspection on the following fronts:

Understanding the dangers: Chemical manufacturing plants like Indo Amines are inherently hazardous environments due to the presence of volatile substances and reactive materials. Indo Amines, known for producing a variety of specialty chemicals, poses significant risks not only to its workers but also to the surrounding community in case of accidents like fires or chemical leaks. The potential release of toxic fumes or explosion hazards can have severe consequences for human health and the environment.

Exploring the Causes: While the exact cause of the fire at the Indo Amines factory is yet to be determined, several factors could have contributed to its ignition. Common causes of industrial fires include equipment malfunction, electrical faults, human error, or inadequate safety protocols. Moreover, lapses in maintenance, improper storage of chemicals, or non-compliance with regulatory standards could exacerbate the risk of such incidents. A thorough investigation is crucial to ascertain the root cause and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Assessing the ramifications: The repercussions of the Indo Amines factory fire extend beyond immediate property damage. The release of toxic smoke or chemicals into the atmosphere can pose health hazards to residents living in the vicinity, leading to respiratory issues or other ailments. Furthermore, environmental contamination from chemical spills or runoff can have long-term ecological implications, affecting soil, water sources, and local biodiversity. The economic impact on the company itself, as well as the broader industrial sector, cannot be understated, with potential disruptions to production and supply chains.

Response Efforts: In the aftermath of the fire, prompt and coordinated response efforts are imperative to mitigate the consequences and prevent further escalation. Local firefighting teams, supported by state and national agencies, play a pivotal role in containing the blaze and preventing its spread to neighbouring areas. Evacuation measures should be promptly implemented to ensure the safety of residents and workers, while medical teams stand ready to provide assistance to those affected by the incident. Simultaneously, environmental agencies must monitor air and water quality to assess the extent of pollution and initiate remediation measures.

The fire serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with industrial activities, particularly in the chemical sector. While the immediate focus remains on containing the fire and minimizing its impact, long-term efforts should prioritize enhancing safety standards, enforcing regulatory compliance, and fostering greater transparency and accountability within the industrial ecosystem. Only through concerted action can we avert similar disasters and safeguard both human lives and the environment from the perils of industrial accidents.