AM/NS India Facing ₹1 Crore Fine and Probe After Deadly Explosion at Hazira Plant Claims Four Lives
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has imposed a ₹1 crore fine on AM/NS India for causing environmental damage following a devastating explosion at their Corex Plant-2 in Hazira on the evening of December 31, 2024. The blast tragically resulted in the deaths of four workers, who were burned alive in the incident.
An investigation into the circumstances of the explosion has been initiated. Surat District Collector Dr. Saurabh Pargi has instructed Olpad Taluka Officer Parth Talsaniya to carry out a detailed 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 collected details of the workers present at the time of the explosion, reviewed attendance records, and gathered statements from employees who were on duty.
Additionally, the investigating team has gathered information regarding the structural stability of the plant and other safety protocols in place. A report on the findings will be submitted to the District Collector within two days. GPCB has also issued a closure notice to the plant and imposed the ₹1 crore fine for the environmental damage caused.
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 and liquid chemical flow at the time of the explosion will be gathered. The plant’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will also be reviewed to provide 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. In addition, the company has pledged to offer employment to one family member of each victim.
AM/NS India, which took 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.
