Uday Samant: High-level panel to investigate Dombivli factory blast

30 May 2024 CW Team

In light of similar incidents in several factories located in the Dombivli MIDC area in the past, local residents have been urging that these companies be relocated to other areas.

The Maharashtra government has established a high-level committee to investigate the explosion at a chemical unit in MIDC Dombivli on May 23, which resulted in 10 fatalities, as stated by Industries Minister Uday Samant.

During a press conference in Mumbai, Samant mentioned that the committee, which includes principal secretaries from the Industries, Labour, and Environment departments, will assess industries classified under categories A, B, and C and provide a report within three weeks. This committee will also examine companies that have breached regulations or engaged in unauthorised construction.

He indicated that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had visited the blast site and issued specific instructions that the committee and relevant officials would strictly adhere to.

Samant noted that a decision to relocate MIDC and its chemical companies was made two years ago. However, the land acquisition process at Patalganga and Jambhavali, which had been initiated, was paused due to the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections. He added that the ministry would now seek permission from the Election Commission to resume the relocation process.

The minister reported that the blast caused an estimated loss of approximately Rs 130 million, including Rs 120 million in commercial losses and Rs 10.66 million in residential losses. He assured that the Maharashtra government is committed to compensating these losses and would cover the expenses of those affected. Companies with insurance might not require immediate government assistance, according to Samant.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..