Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: In a significant development following the deadly gunpowder storage fire and explosion in Naqueri on March 20, South Goa District Collector, Egna Cleetus, IAS, has revoked the No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to Ms Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, effective immediately. The decision follows a detailed inquiry into the incident and a report received from the Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), Mumbai.
The Collector’s order highlights serious deficiencies in the company’s adherence to safety protocols, security standards, and regulatory transparency, citing systemic failures on part of the company. The revocation is also based on a letter from the Joint Chief Controller of PESO, dated April 7, which underscored significant safety lapses at the facility.
According to the District Collector’s statement, the magazine where the explosion occurred was operating without the necessary license, violating Rule 7 of the Explosives Rules, 2008 (ER, 2008). Additionally, unauthorized explosives were found stored at the site, rendering the NOC invalid.
“The immediate cancellation of the NOC is a necessary measure to reduce the risk of further incidents and to hold the company accountable for its violations,” the Collector noted.
In her order, the District Collector clarified that while the company’s NOC has been cancelled, they can reapply once they meet the required guidelines set by PESO and comply with explosive safety rules.
The revocation of the NOC follows protests from Naqueri-Betul residents, who staged a silent morcha outside the South Goa Collectorate last week demanding action against the company. Additionally, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had stated over the weekend that the company would not be allowed to resume operations unless it adheres to all safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.
Following the explosion, PESO had suspended the company’s licenses for the storage and transport of explosives, declaring the magazine unsafe for use. PESO also cited multiple violations of the Explosives Rules, including violations of Rule 118(2)(ii) and Rule 131.
The Cuncolim police have filed an FIR against the management and staff of Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, accusing them of negligence and endangering lives. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure accountability for the incident.
