Firms stocking explosives under government lens in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: Firms dealing in explosives have come under the scanner in Chhattisgarh's Raipur district following the Jhabua tragedy that claimed 89 lives.

Raipur district administration has constituted as many as seven committees to verify documents pertaining to issuance of licenses to various firms for possessing explosive materials, an official here told PTI.

District Collector Thakur Ram Singh issued the directives in this regard last evening.

Keeping in view the safety of people and property, the committees will carry out inspection of all the licensee firms under Explosive Act, Petroleum Act and other defined rules, he said.

Besides, the stock limits of the shops and godowns will be enquired simultaneously, he added.

The committees, comprising three members each, will have to submit their reports within a week along with suggestions, if any, to shift the explosives godowns or shops from the existing places as a precautionary measure, he said.

At least 89 people were killed and nearly 100 injured on Saturday after a massive blast caused by mining explosives stored in a building, ripped through a crowded area in Petlawad town of Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua district.

The blast completely destroyed at least two buildings - one in which explosive material for digging wells was stored and an adjacent restaurant, and damaged several houses.