Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding boiler explosion at noodle factory in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, 22/04/2022

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: News item published in India Today dated 26.12.2021 titled “7 dead in boiler explosion at noodle factory in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, probe ordered” dated 22/04/2022. Proceedings have been initiated based on media report that seven persons died and four sustained injury after a boiler explosion in the factory of the project proponent in Bela Industrial area, Phase-II, Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

The joint committee report said that the accident occurred at the site of the factory M/s Anshul Snacks and Beverages Pvt. Ltd., Bela Industrial Area, Phase-II, Bela, Muzaffarpur, December 26, 2021 at about 9:45 A.M. due to explosion of the boiler installed and being operated by the unit due to excessive pressure higher than the permissible limit and non-operation of safety valves.

The accident took the life of seven persons and other seven persons were injured. Compensation as directed by the NGT vide its order, January 11, 2022 at the rate of Rs. 15 lakh in respect of each deceased; Rs. 2 lakh to seriously injured and Rs. 50,000/- each to other injured are still to be paid. The committee in its report to the NGT said that the accident had occurred due to non-adherence to the standard operating procedure (SOP) and safety protocols by the proponent with special reference to the operation of the boiler. Even the statutory obligations were not being followed by the unit.

The NGT, April 22, 2022 said that the project proponent is liable to pay compensation and the unit may not be allowed to operate without requisite consent and taking of all safety precautions, as suggested by the Joint Committee.