Five migrant workers lost their lives and 29 people sustained serious injuries following an explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Punjab's Muktsar district. The blast occurred around 2 AM in the village of Sinewala, located in the Lambi area.
According to preliminary information, the factory was operating without any legal authorisation and had stored hazardous explosive materials without permission.
Taking suo motu cognisance based on media reports, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) termed the incident a grave violation of environmental and safety norms. The tribunal noted that multiple regulations had been flouted.
NGT Orders Compensation
In its order, the NGT directed that compensation be provided to the victims. Injured individuals are to receive amounts ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹20 lakh, depending on the severity of their injuries.
The NGT has issued notices to the Punjab Pollution Control Board, the Central Pollution Control Board, and other relevant agencies. These bodies have been asked to submit affidavits ahead of the next hearing scheduled for August 4.
As per information received by the tribunal, all the deceased and injured workers were migrants from states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who had come to Punjab in search of livelihood. At the time of the explosion, the workers were reportedly asleep inside the premises.