Dombivli boiler blast: Instructions given to shift units handling hazardous chemicals out of residential areas, says CM Shinde

CM Shinde had on Thursday visited the spot. Pic/CMO

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said that the authorities have been instructed to shift the units that deal with highly hazardous chemicals out of residential areas to avoid recurrence of incidents like the Dombivli boiler blast that killed at least nine persons and injured more than 60 others, reported the PTI.

Speaking to media persons at the BMC headquarters in Mumbai after taking a review of monsoon preparedness of Mumbai, CM Eknath Shinde said that Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) should shift the hazardous chemical companies to the lands that have been purchased, as per the PTI.

IN PHOTOS: Maharashtra CM Shinde reviews monsoon preparations in Mumbai

3 weeks agoPHOTO GALLERY

"Otherwise they should change the land use from chemical to IT, engineering or textile and the government will give additional concessions for that purpose. We will give them an opportunity to start such industries where there will be no accidents," he added, according to the PTI.

Talking about the factory explosion incident, CM Eknath Shinde said the blast occurred due to hydrogen peroxide chemical, and it was triggered due to a rise in the temperature inside the reactor (boiler).

Replying to a question about removing the CIBIL score condition for farmers seeking crop loan, Shinde said his government is working on the issue and talks are on with the banks.

About the prevailing drought and water shortage situation in the state, he said that in Marathwada, 1,837 tankers were being used for supplying water to 1,250 villages and 500 hamlets.

CM Shinde said that he has directed that the water supply schemes which became non-functional due to non-payment of power bills, need to be started immediately without thinking about the pending power bills.

There is no shortage of fodder in any district this year, CM Shinde said instructions have been given to set up fodder camps wherever required.

Cops detain two owners of factory

The police on Friday reportedly detained two owners, including a 70-year-old woman, in connection with the Dombivli boiler blast case where nine people were killed, an official said, reported the PTI.

A massive blast on Thursday at the chemical factory at Dombivli in Maharashtra's Thane district had left over 60 injured and several are undergoing medical treatment in different hospitals, officials said.

The detained persons were identified as Malti Pradip Mehta and her son Malay Pradip Mehta, he said, as per the PTI.

(with PTI inputs)