Relevance: GS III (Disaster Management) & GS II (Governance) | Source: The Hindu
A massive explosion at a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu) killed over 20 workers. Virudhunagar (specifically Sivakasi) produces 90% of India’s firecrackers but witnesses frequent fatal accidents due to severe systemic failures.
Administrative Violations Noted:
- Illegal Operations: The factory was functioning on a Sunday, a strictly mandated “off-day” for the industry.
- Overcrowding: Instead of the legal limit of 4 workers per hazardous shed, nearly 40 were packed inside.
- Sub-contracting Trap: Licensed owners illegally rent out sheds to unlicensed contractors who ignore safety rules to speed up production.
- Zoning Failure: Highly volatile chemical mixing and final cracker assembly were done together, violating mandatory safe-distance protocols.
The Solution: The administration must hold primary license owners strictly liable, enforce spatial zoning, and conduct unannounced safety audits.
The Trap”
- The “Nodal Ministry” Trap: UPSC might state that the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) works under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Incorrect. It functions strictly under the DPIIT (Ministry of Commerce and Industry).
- The “Green Crackers” Trap: An exam statement might claim they produce zero emissions. Incorrect. Developed by CSIR-NEERI, Green Crackers avoid toxic chemicals like Barium and reduce particulate emissions by roughly 30%, but do not eliminate them entirely.
UPSC Value Box
| Key Concept / Body | Simple Meaning |
| PESO | Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation. The central statutory watchdog responsible for framing rules and issuing licenses for all explosives. |
| Firecracker Chemistry | Strontium salts produce Red flames. Barium salts produce Green flames (Barium is highly toxic and heavily restricted by the Supreme Court). |
With reference to the regulation of explosives and the chemical composition of fireworks in India, consider the following statements:
- The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the nodal agency for licensing fireworks units, functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- In the manufacturing of firecrackers, Strontium salts are primarily used to produce a red-colored flame.
- The Supreme Court of India has completely banned the use of Barium salts in the production of firecrackers due to its high toxicity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b)
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