Cachar District to Conduct Safety Audits Following Fatal Steel Plant Explosion
Safety Measures in Response to Industrial Tragedy
Explosion occurred at the Ladi Steel industrial unit at Pangram in Cachar district
Silchar, July 28: In light of the recent explosion at Kade Global Infrastructure’s steel facility in Pangram, which resulted in four fatalities, the Cachar district administration has announced plans to perform safety audits on hazardous industrial operations throughout the Barak Valley.
This decision was made during a review meeting that included representatives from the Inspectorate of Factories, the Labour Department, and other relevant safety agencies. Udharbond MLA Rajdeep Goala shared this information after visiting the site and meeting with the affected families on Monday.
“We will prioritize inspections of industrial units that operate furnaces or engage in processes that present significant risks to workers. The relevant departments will promptly assess all hazardous industries to ensure compliance with established labor and safety regulations,” the MLA stated.
A thorough investigation led by a senior magistrate will also be initiated to explore the events surrounding the explosion and to determine if there were any failures on the part of the factory management or regulatory bodies.
This magisterial inquiry will compile findings from police investigations, the Labour Department, the Inspectorate of Factories, forensic specialists, and other entities to identify the explosion's cause and evaluate adherence to workplace safety standards.
Goala noted that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acted swiftly in response to the incident, instructing the administration to carry out a detailed investigation. “The government’s immediate duty is to support the families affected and provide all necessary assistance,” he remarked.
He personally delivered an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the three local workers who lost their lives, with the family of the fourth victim, a driver from Tripura, also set to receive compensation.
Reflecting on his visit with the grieving families, Goala described the experience as profoundly upsetting, noting that they were not in a state to engage in lengthy conversations. “One woman fainted during our visit. The families are heartbroken. It was an incredibly emotional and painful experience. While we cannot bring back those who have passed, we can, as directed by the Chief Minister, stand by their side during this difficult time and offer all possible support, especially since they come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds,” he concluded.