Series of Industrial Accidents in Andhra Pradesh’s Atchutapuram SEZ

Source: The post series of industrial accidents in Andhra Pradesh’s Atchutapuram SEZ has been created, based on the article “Death at work: A safety audit is essential to prevent industrial accidents” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Disaster management

Context: The article discusses a series of industrial accidents in Andhra Pradesh’s Atchutapuram SEZ, including a deadly blast at a pharma plant. It raises concerns about poor safety standards, lax inspections, and the need for stricter safety audits and enforcement.

For detailed information on Issues with safety inspections in industrial areas in India read this article here

What Happened in the Atchutapuram SEZ?

1. A deadly blast occurred at Escientia’s pharma plant in the Atchutapuram SEZ, Andhra Pradesh, killing 17 workers and injuring many others.
2. On the same day, a fire at another chemical factory in the same SEZ injured about 10 workers.
3. Last year, a massive explosion at a pharma plant in the SEZ also caused deaths and injuries.
4. The Atchutapuram SEZ houses over 100 factories, raising concerns about repeated industrial accidents.

What Are the Concerns About Safety Standards?

1. High-Risk Exemptions: The 2016 order exempts SEZ units, including high-risk industries like pharma and chemicals, from government inspections.
2. Self-Certification Issues: Medium-risk industries can self-certify compliance through third-party audits, potentially lowering safety standards.
3. Historical Precedent: The 2020 chemical leak in Visakhapatnam, causing 12 deaths, highlights ongoing safety failures in Andhra Pradesh’s industrial zones.

What Should be Done?

1. There is a call for a broader investigation into SEZs in Andhra Pradesh to identify and fix safety loopholes.
2. Swift justice, including punishment for non-compliance and awarding punitive damages, is necessary to deter companies from ignoring safety regulations.
3. Reevaluate the 2016 order that exempts SEZ units from government inspections, even in high-risk industries, to ensure compliance with safety norms.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the 2016 order exempting SEZ units from government inspections has impacted safety standards in high-risk industries within Andhra Pradesh’s Atchutapuram SEZ.