State government issued closure order
Ahmedabd, Ombudsman
Massive fire was reported in the industrial area of GIDC in Vatva of Ahmedabad on Wednesday. No casualities were reported though. The state government working on the reports issued closure order of three chemical units.
According to Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Service officials, the fire incident was reported at 12:30 pm at chemical factory near Vinzol railway crossing which later spread in two adjoining chemical units.
The Information Bureau of the state government in a press release to media stated that, after the fire incident Vatava GIDC phase 2 in Ahmedabad the Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) department, which functions under the Labour and Employment department, issued a closure order under Section 40(2) of the Factory act.
Vipul Mittra, ACS, Labour and Employment department has directed DISH to step up and undertake necessary steps to ensure worker safety in all manufacturing facilities on top priority.
As per primary report of DISH officials, fire broke out in unit of Jagson Colorchem Ltd, plot no- 5601-4 and Matangi Industries LLP, plot no. C1/5605 to C1/5614 and spread in Bhavin Industries’ office, plot no. 448. All units are in the Vatava GIDC, phase 2 area. The fire has been controlled. No casualties or injuries have been reported in the fire incident. Further detail investigation is going on.
“Necessary instructions have been issued to the Director of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) to act swiftly. As mandated by Factories Act, DISH to ensure that there is no compromise with the safety aspect for human life. We have issued closure orders to the units following an inspection by DISH officials” said Mittra.
“Government has issued a resolution on 26th November 2020, stating that factories will have to compulsorily take NOCs from Fire department under Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2013” said P M Shah, director, DISH.
“We will review the fire and other related safety aspects before allowing resumption of manufacturing operations and units will remain closed till that all necessary compliances meet the standards.” Shah said.