Pune: National Green Tribunal To Review Report On Talawade Factory Fire; Hearing Expected in July

Pimpri Chinchwad, 29th June 2024: Last year in December, a major fire occurred in Talawade under the jurisdiction of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). A report concerning this incident has been forwarded to the Pune District Collector. This report will subsequently be sent to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The fire, which occurred on December 8, 2023, affected a factory producing birthday candles, prompting the formation of an investigating committee. NGT had mandated the submission of a detailed report by this committee. A hearing at the NGT is anticipated by the end of next month.

Tragically, 14 individuals lost their lives in the fire. The committee, comprising members from NGT, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Pune Collector’s Office, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the Directorate of Health Services, was established in response to the incident. The model code of conduct for Lok Sabha elections concluded earlier this month. Subsequently, Pimpri Chinchwad Tehsildar Jayraj Deshmukh was appointed to compile and submit the report. He meticulously gathered information and addressed the committee’s inquiries, totalling 15 to 20 queries, which have now been submitted.

All attention is now focused on the NGT’s response to the report. Tehsildar Jayraj Deshmukh stated, “We have provided comprehensive answers to the committee’s inquiries and forwarded them to the Pune District Collector’s Office. The report includes details on the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage incurred.”