Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re : News item published in The Hindu dated 25.07.2022 titled “Explosion in Bihar illegal firecracker unit kills five” dated 13/09/2022.

The NGT held that industrial incidents resulting in loss of lives is on account of failure to follow the environmental safety norms. The court was hearing the case of an illegal firecracker unit catching fire, July 24, 2022 and resulting in the death of five people.

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The Chief Secretary, Bihar has been directed by the National Green Tribunal to call a meeting with all the District Magistrates and other statutory regulators to brain storm on the issue and issue appropriate standard operating procedure (SOP) to prevent such incidents in the state.

One of the measures for preventing such incident is creating awareness through appropriate information, education and communication (IEC) activities, the court said. Such activities may be undertaken, if viable, along with the Bihar State Legal Service Authority and Education Department. It may be particularly ensured that explosives are handled in accordance with laid down norms and procedures and no un-authorized manufacturing involving explosives takes place.