Latest news with #MadireddyPratap
New Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra introduces stricter NOC system for hazardous industries following tragic explosion
VIJAYAWADA: In a bid to enhance industrial safety, particularly in pharmaceutical and other hazardous sectors, AP is introducing a revamped No Objection Certificate (NOC) system, State Disaster Response and Fire Services Director General (DG) Madireddy Pratap announced on Friday. The move comes in the wake of the tragic explosion at Sigachi Industries in Pashamylaram village, Telangana, which claimed at least 36 lives and left many others injured. 'The new NOC policy will be grounded in expert-led inspection reports and security audits,' Pratap said. He added that the department had already escalated safety concerns to higher authorities and issued notices to all pharmaceutical and chemical factories handling hazardous materials, directing them to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and safety audits. The revised policy makes it mandatory for industries to engage certified experts and agencies for their assessments. Agencies such as Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA), Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), Boiler Inspectors, Mines Safety Officers, and solvent handling authorities will serve as official third-party evaluators.
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh Fire Services D-G directs officials to identify hazardous areas in industries to prevent accidents
Director General of AP State Disaster Response and Fire Services Madireddy Pratap has directed the officers of Industries, Factories, Electricity and the Fire Services Departments to identify the hazardous areas in pharma, manufacturing and other industries to prevent accidents. Speaking to the newsmen here on Friday, Mr. Pratap said after the fire mishap in Sigachi Industries at Pashamylavaram village, in Telangana State, instructions have been given to the officials of the departments concerned to keep away the high risk process areas away from other processing units and administrative blocks. 'The managements of the manufacturing units should classify the hazardous areas and operate the high risk areas with experts in the field to prevent accidents. Orders to this effect were issued to the officers concerned,' the Fire Services D-G said. Heads of the departments concerned are requested to utilise the services of the experts in inert gas drying systems, ensure proper grounding of equipment and take care to avoid explosions in industries, he said. He directed the Fire Services Director D. Murali Mohan and Additional Director T. Uday Kumar to take steps to prevent accidents in Andhra Pradesh, in the wake of the fire mishap in Sigachi Industries. Fresh NOCs The A.P. State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department has changed the NOC issuing system and was giving fresh 'No Objection Certificates' (NOCs) to all manufacturing units and factories to enhance fire safety to prevent accidents, Mr. Pratap said. 'The officers are directed to conduct dust safety audits, check electricity and fire safety renewals and take steps to prevent fire mishaps,' the Fire Services D-G said. Managements of the industries shall engage expertise in various subjects and follow safety precautions to avoid accidents, he said.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Public participation essential to prevent fire mishaps: Fire DG
Tadepalli: Director General Madireddy Pratap of State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department, called for public participation in preventing fire accidents, emphasising that the summer season sees a higher incidence of such events. He urged people to take precautions. During a press conference held on Wednesday at the State headquarters of State Disaster Response and Fire Services here, DG Pratap stated that the risk of extensive damage from unforeseen fire accidents is higher in old cities of major cities within the State. He cited narrow roads and residential buildings located on upper floors of shops as contributing factors. He pointed out that these were clearly the reasons for the high number of fatalities in the recent fire accident near Hyderabad's Charminar. He warned that similar dangers loom in major towns in Andhra Pradesh, such as Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati. Therefore, he explained, by taking precautionary measures, everyone can contribute to preventing accidents. Making certain recommendations for fire prevention, he said that electrical appliances should be used based on the robustness of the wiring in old buildings. It's crucial to ensure that the existing wiring can handle the load of modern electrical appliances. This alone can reduce short-circuit accidents by more than half. He suggested installation of Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) in every room and ensure proper earthing for every building. When installing air conditioners, check the wire capacity. These measures, if implemented at a low cost, can provide peace of mind. Referring to the smoke management, he suggested installation of smoke detectors and exhaust fans in every home as part of smoke management. This is critical because smoke inhalation often leads to life-threatening situations during short circuits or fires. Every building should ideally have a breathing balcony for better ventilation and safety. Madireddy Pratap recounted a recent fire incident in a shopping mall in Srikakulam, where it took fire personnel six hours to enter the premises due to intense smoke from burning clothes. Many people suffered from suffocation. He assured that all arrangements are being inspected when apartments are issued NOCs (No Objection Certificates) to prevent such situations in other areas. He stressed that the regulations enforced by the Fire department are for the public's benefit. Fire Department Director D Murali Mohan, Additional Director T Uday Kumar, Assistant District Fire Officer K Vinay and other staff members also participated.
