The Telangana government has formed a four-member expert committee to probe the deadly Sigachi factory explosion in Pashamylaram that killed 40 workers. The panel will investigate safety lapses, SOP violations, and suggest measures to prevent similar industrial accidents in the future.
In the wake of a tragic explosion that claimed 40 lives and injured several others, the Telangana government has taken swift action by constituting a four-member expert committee to investigate the incident. The explosion occurred on the morning of June 30 at Sigachi Industries Limited, located in the IDA Phase-I industrial area of Pashamylaram, Patancheru Mandal, Sangareddy district. The company specializes in the production of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) powder, widely used in pharmaceutical tablets and capsules as a binding agent.
The committee, which was formally announced through an official order issued by the Labour, Employment Training and Factories Department on Wednesday, is tasked with uncovering the root causes behind the explosion and proposing actionable recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Expert Committee Composition
The investigation will be led by B. Venkateshwar Rao, Emeritus Scientist at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT). The other members of the committee include:
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T. Prathap Kumar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-IICT
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Surya Narayana, retired scientist, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI)
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Santosh Ghuge, Safety Officer, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune
These experts bring with them vast experience in chemical engineering, industrial safety, and process compliance, which will be critical in thoroughly examining the incident.
Objectives and Scope of the Committee
The committee has been entrusted with the following responsibilities:
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Identify the causes and sequence of events leading to the explosion.
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Investigate whether Sigachi Industries followed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to worker safety.
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Determine if there was any lapse, absence, or violation in the implementation of industrial and chemical process safety norms.
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Examine the role of factory management, staff, and workers in relation to the incident.
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Interact with consultants, organizations, and government officials as necessary for the enquiry.
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Submit a comprehensive report including actionable suggestions and recommendations for policy and procedural improvements in similar industrial units.
According to the preliminary report submitted by the Director of Factories on the same day of the incident, 143 people were present inside the factory premises at around 9:20 a.m., when the explosion occurred. The full extent of injuries and the condition of the survivors are still under evaluation.
Mandate and Timeline
The expert committee has been directed to submit its final report within one month. This report is expected to not only pinpoint the causes of the explosion but also recommend systemic changes to prevent such catastrophes in the future. These recommendations may influence regulatory frameworks and safety protocols in chemical and pharmaceutical industries across Telangana and possibly at the national level.
The Director of Factories has been tasked with supporting the committee throughout its investigation by providing all necessary documents, access, and logistical assistance.
Industrial Safety Under Scrutiny
This tragic incident has cast a spotlight on the safety standards of chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing units in the region. Industrial safety experts and civil society organizations have repeatedly raised concerns over compliance gaps and lax enforcement of safety norms. The findings of this expert committee are expected to bring more clarity on these issues and may serve as a catalyst for policy reform.
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The state government’s swift formation of an expert panel is seen as a proactive step to ensure accountability and transparency. It also signals an intent to reinforce worker safety and industrial process compliance across all manufacturing sectors operating within Telangana’s industrial zones.
As the investigation unfolds, both the public and industry stakeholders await the committee’s findings, which could reshape industrial safety norms in one of India’s fastest-growing industrial regions.
