Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 20 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the massive firecracker explosion in Kakinada on Saturday. The Chief Minister met the injured victims at GGH and expressed deep concern over the negligence of the local authorities. After this, in a press conference he announced the suspension of four persons. He assured full government support to the victims and their families in this difficult time.
The Chief Minister assured the victims that the government will stand with them and provide them full support. He also expressed deep concern over the negligence of local officials. In a press conference he announced the suspension of four officers.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Chandrababu said, “The firecracker incident is extremely unfortunate and tragic. So far, 20 people have died, while the condition of 9 is critical; the condition of two has improved. The deceased include 12 Scheduled Caste people and 9 women. All these people had gone for daily wages. The government is taking this incident seriously. A similar incident had happened recently; this is the second such tragedy. Future “Steps will be taken to prevent such incidents.”
The Chief Minister further said, “A detailed investigation will be conducted and the culprits will be decided. The RDO, DSP, District Labor Officer and Fire Officer are being suspended. After the investigation, action will also be taken against other concerned officials. Some people are being careless and playing with the lives of the public; they will not only be arrested but will also be prosecuted. Their property will also be confiscated and handed over to the victims; such carelessness will not be tolerated. State Government Will provide financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to each victim’s family. Center has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh.”
He further said that the government will also provide assistance to the seriously injured people. “The children of the victims will be provided education in residential schools. Houses will be built for the homeless families. Though we cannot bring back the deceased, we will assist their families. Prayers were offered for the peace of the departed souls,” the Chief Minister said.
“Workers were put to work after permission was granted, but safety precautions were not followed. Necessary safety measures were ignored despite the presence of explosive material. A survey will be conducted to identify all firecracker units. The existing procedures are inadequate; CCTV cameras will be installed and linked to control rooms. The permission rules for firecracker units will be made more stringent,” the Chief Minister said.
At least eighteen people died in a fire at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem in Kakinada district on Saturday. The condition of many injured is said to be serious. Collector and District Magistrate Sagili Shan Mohan has already informed about this incident.