Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding blast in quarry in Hirenagavalli, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka. Six people were killed in the quarry blast on February 22, 2021.

The incident happened due to large amount of explosives at the site. District In-charge, who visited the spot said that the explosives were illegally held. According to the preliminary information shared by the police, the quarrying work was stopped at the site on February 7 after local residents complained of rampant use of gelatin sticks. The work continued despite the ban, and another raid was conducted by the police, during which the contractor was warned not to use gelatin. The explosives went off when the men were trying to dispose of them.

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The court noted that it was necessary to ascertain the cause of the incident, the extent of damage caused, the extent of compensation required to be paid for damage to the environment as well as for loss of lives, causing of injuries and steps required to be taken for preventing any such occurrence in future. For this, the NGT directed issuance of notice to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, the Director, Mines, Karnataka and the District Magistrate, Chikkaballapur for the constitution of a six member joint committee to look into the matter and submit a report.