Essentia Pharma : NGT launches inquiry into fatal pharma unit explosion in AP  

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated a suo motu inquiry into the explosion at a pharmaceutical unit in Achyutapuram Special Economic Zone, Andhra Pradesh. The explosion, which occurred on August 21 at Essentia Advanced Sciences Pvt Ltd, resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people and injuries to 36 others.

Chairperson Justice Prakash Srivastava is leading the NGT bench investigating the incident. The tribunal’s inquiry aims to determine whether the pharma unit adhered to environmental regulations and whether adequate compensation has been provided to the victims and their families.

The NGT has identified several respondents in the case, including the Central Pollution Control Board, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health of Andhra Pradesh, and the Anakapalli district Magistrate. Authorities have been instructed to submit their responses to the South Zonal Bench by September 23. The NGT has highlighted that the explosion, caused by solvent leakage leading to a significant fire, raises critical concerns regarding compliance with environmental standards.

The tribunal also directed that the case be transferred to the Southern Zonal Bench in Chennai for further proceedings. It stipulated that if any respondent submits a reply directly without legal representation, they must be virtually present to assist the tribunal