GPCB Imposes ₹1 Crore Fine; Investigation Launched in AM/NS Blast Incident
On the evening of December 31, 2024, a massive explosion occurred at the Corex Plant-2 of AM/NS India, located in Hazira, resulting in the tragic deaths of four workers who were burned alive. Following the incident, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has imposed a fine of ₹1 crore for the environmental damage caused.
The investigation into the incident is underway. Surat District Collector Dr. Saurabh Pargi has directed Olpad Taluka Officer Parth Talsaniya to conduct a thorough inquiry. On Friday morning, officials from the Olpad Taluka office, Choryasi Mamlatdar, GPCB, and the Department of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) visited the plant to begin their investigation. They gathered details about the employees on duty at the time of the explosion, reviewed attendance records, and took statements from workers present at the site.
The investigating team also collected information on the structural stability of the plant and other safety protocols. A report based on the findings will be submitted to the District Collector within two days. The GPCB has issued a closure notice to the plant and imposed the ₹1 crore fine for the environmental harm caused by the explosion.
Temperature and Liquid Chemical Data to Be Collected
R.A. Patel, Joint Director of the Department of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH), stated that data regarding temperature levels and liquid chemical flows at the time of the explosion will be gathered. The plant’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will also be reviewed to gain further clarity on the incident.
₹50 Lakh Compensation for Victims’ Families
In an unprecedented move, AM/NS India has announced a compensation of ₹50 lakh to the families of the deceased workers. Additionally, the company has pledged to offer employment to one family member of each victim.
AM/NS India, which had taken over a financially struggling company five years ago and revitalized it, has invested ₹60,000 crore in the Hazira plant. The company is also implementing various development projects in the region to benefit the local community.
