Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken swift action following a devastating cracker godown fire in Attibele, Bengaluru Urban district, which resulted in the loss of 14 lives. The incident, which has revealed significant safety lapses and violations, prompted the Chief Minister to suspend several officials and address regulatory concerns.
Siddaramaiah announced the suspension of Anekal Tahsildar, the jurisdictional police inspector, and the regional fire officer in response to the tragedy. Additionally, notices were issued to the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban district, who had granted the license to the cracker shop owner, and the Superintendent of Police, seeking explanations regarding the incident. The Chief Minister emphasized that the shopkeeper held a license to sell crackers and not to store them in a godown. The godown contained 7,000 to 8,000 kilograms of crackers, which had been brought from Tamil Nadu.
The day of the incident, a truckload of crackers arrived at the location, and people from Tamil Nadu, many of whom were underprivileged students, were unloading the stock. These individuals were reportedly paid ₹600 per day for their labor.
Siddaramaiah expressed his concern about the various lapses that contributed to the tragedy, including oversight by the Tahsildar, police inspector, and fire officer. He stressed the need for immediate suspensions and accountability.
Citing Supreme Court guidelines on the use of “green crackers,” the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of taking action against those who fail to adhere to these regulations. Siddaramaiah directed all relevant authorities to ensure that the provisions of the Explosives Act and the Supreme Court’s guidelines on the use of green crackers are strictly followed.
These directives are particularly crucial as the upcoming Diwali festival often sees an increase in incidents where people suffer burns, injuries, loss of body parts, eye injuries, and, in some cases, fatalities due to firecracker-related accidents.
In light of the tragic incident and the safety concerns it raised, Siddaramaiah ordered that cracker licenses should only be renewed on an annual basis, rather than the previous five-year duration. This move is aimed at increasing vigilance and regulatory oversight in the sale and storage of crackers to enhance public safety.
In addition to the suspensions and regulatory adjustments, the Chief Minister instructed officials to ban the use of crackers during political events, processions, marriages, and Ganesha festivals. This measure is intended to further protect public safety during gatherings and events.
The state government has already announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for each family of the deceased victims and is providing free medical treatment to the four individuals who sustained injuries in the hospital.
The tragic incident involving the cracker godown-cum-shop in Attibele has exposed a range of safety issues, including improper licensing, storage, and labor practices. The government’s swift response underscores the seriousness of these lapses and the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, particularly during festival seasons when firecrackers are widely used.
