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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: 2 out of 3 oxygen plants at civil hospital defunct
Despite the Punjab health department directives for preparedness and uninterrupted oxygen availability, following the death of three patients at Jalandhar Civil Hospital, the situation on ground in Ludhiana civil hospital remains grim. Ludhiana civil hospital, one of the busiest government hospitals in the region, is functioning with just one operational pressure swing adsorption oxygen plant. (HT Photo) In a high-level meeting held on July 29, Punjab health minister directed all civil surgeons to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply and reliable power backup in critical care units such as ICUs, operation theatres, and emergency wards. However, Ludhiana civil hospital, one of the busiest government hospitals in the region is still functioning with just one operational pressure swing adsorption (PSA) plant and backup cylinders to cater to critical patients. According to hospital staff, the civil hospital has three oxygen plants including one liquid medical oxygen (LMO) plant and two PSA plants with capacities of 1,000 liters per minute (LPM) and 700 LPM, respectively. At present, only the 1,000 LPM oxygen plant, installed under the PM-Cares Fund, is functional. This single plant is supplying oxygen to all major wards of the civil hospital including the ICU, emergency, trauma, male and female wards, TB ward, labour room, operation theatre, and paediatrics ward. Built during COVID, plant awaits clearance As per civil hospital staff, the 700 LPM oxygen plant, set up by the state government, has been non-operational for the past one month due to a servicing issue. They further added that the plant is grappled with recurring operational issues where after every three to four months of servicing, it suffers from technical glitches. To address this, the civil hospital has installed manual oxygen cylinders in every ward where in case of emergency, supply can be ensured to inmates patients. However, such arrangements raise concerns over risk of fatal accidents if any human error occurred, they said. Meanwhile, the LMO plant has been lying defunct since 2022. The reason is a pending licence from Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the authority responsible for approving the storage and handling of medical oxygen, which is considered hazardous if not properly regulated. Although the plant was built after the second COVID wave, it was never made fully operational due to the lack of PESO clearance. As a result, this major oxygen source has been idle for nearly three years, hampering the hospital's readiness in case of another health emergency. Staff shortage worsens crisis In addition to non-functional plants, the hospital is also dealing with a severe staff shortage. Currently, only two plant operators, including a technician, are responsible for managing oxygen supply round-the-clock. This is a significant drop from six operators who were posted during 2021–22. Due to the limited staff, workers are forced to work extra hours, increasing their exhaustion and the risk of human error in managing the critical oxygen supply, officials said. In a letter dated July 2, civil hospital authorities requested the deputy medical commissioner, Ludhiana to appoint at least one more plant operator to ease the pressure on the current team. When contacted, Ludhiana civil surgeon Dr Ramanpreet Kaur acknowledged that the LMO plant has been non-functional since the COVID wave, stating that only its base was built at the time, but it could not be completed due to licensing delays. 'The matter is currently pending with the state government,' she said. On the staff shortage, Dr Kaur added, 'We are hiring more staff from other government hospitals in the district where oxygen plants are not functional. Also, we will train additional staff to ensure the smooth functioning of oxygen supply.'
New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- New Indian Express
NGT seeks inspection records of all cracker units in Virudhunagar
CHENNAI: The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has come down heavily on the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the Tamil Nadu government, directing them to submit detailed inspection records of all firecracker manufacturing units in Virudhunagar from the last five years. The directive comes amid a spate of fatal accidents at cracker units. The NGT bench termed the recurring deaths a result of 'systemic regulatory failure' and expressed concern over non-compliance with safety norms. The rising deaths year after year points to gaps in enforcement, the bench comprising judicial member Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member K Satyagopal observed, as PESO and state counsels pointed fingers at each other. The PESO counsel admitted to widespread violations, including illegal sub-licensing and the prohibited use of mobile phones inside factory premises - a clear violation of Rule 10(6) of the Explosives Rules, 2008, which bans ignition sources like mobile phones and radios within 15 metres of areas where explosives are stored or handled. So far, PESO has cancelled the licences of 10 units and suspended several others. However, the casualty data remains grim. In 2022, 18 people were killed in cracker unit accidents - 12 in PESO-licensed units and six in units licensed by the district magistrate. The toll rose to 39 in 2023, with 35 deaths reported from PESO units. This year alone, 43 deaths have already been recorded, 42 of them in PESO-supervised units.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
HC pulls up officials for lapses in preventing cracker unit accidents
Madurai: Madras high court has reprimanded officials of PESO, police, as well as industrial safety and health departments for their oversight in preventing frequent accidents in fireworks units, causing loss of workers' lives in Virudhunagar district. The court called for details of cases registered in the last five years while issuing a series of directions to officials to take steps to prevent such accidents. Justice B Pugalendhi said the repeated pattern of accidents — 131 deaths and 146 serious injuries between 2019 and 2023 in the region — suggests a chronic absence of inspection, enforcement, and accountability. "The regulatory bodies, despite knowing the hazardous nature of the work and workers' vulnerability, failed to discharge their constitutional obligation under Article 21 to protect the right to life of citizens working in high-risk industries. This lapse cannot be termed accidental; it is structural and ongoing," observed the judge. The judge noted that in the Achankulam fireworks accident case in Sivakasi, retired Justice K Kannan committee's report found subleasing of licensed premises, overcrowding, untrained workers, chemical mixing in open areas, and locked exits as major causes of the blast. Though a criminal case is registered for various offences whenever an accident occurs, investigations are conducted mechanically. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "It appears that FIRs registered in 2019 and 2020 remain pending in 2024. There is no engagement of explosive experts, no forensic reports, and no meaningful determination of the cause," it said. Sections 9(1) and 9A of the Explosives Act mandate cause-based investigation and remedial recommendations, apart from the criminal investigation. However, these provisions are routinely overlooked, and neither the district collector nor the Controller of Explosives, PESO, have suggested any viable remedial measures. The judge asked the DGP to ensure that fire accidents involving explosives are investigated by personnel equipped with adequate technical knowledge, with due assistance from forensic experts. Under Rule 11 of the Explosives Rules, each factory is mandated to appoint a qualified foreman and a safety officer/supervisor (BSc Chemistry) in the ratio of 1:50 workers. However, these roles are often vacant or filled without proper qualification. Though the rules also mandate periodic safety audits, and adherence to quantitative and procedural restrictions, none of these safeguards were meaningfully implemented. The industrial safety and health department, which bears statutory responsibility to oversee factory safety under Factories Act and Tamil Nadu Factories Rules, is critically understaffed, the judge said. The judge directed the Director of Industrial Safety and Health to ensure strict enforcement of safety norms under various statutes, including compliance with licensing limits, mandatory appointment of safety personnel, periodic inspections, and safety training. According to rules, a district magistrate or district revenue officer is empowered to issue licenses when the total quantity of explosives, including raw materials, processed material, and finished goods, does not exceed 15kg. Quantities ranging from 15kg to 500 kg fall under the jurisdiction of the controller of explosives, PESO, and those above 500 kg under chief controller of explosives, PESO. However, it has come to light that DROs have issued licenses beyond their jurisdiction by permitting multiple sheds or exceeding the 15kg limit. Such licenses are patently invalid. The judge directed the chief controller of explosives, PESO, to take necessary steps to scrutinise licensing practices in Sivakasi and other firework clusters and take appropriate action wherever licenses are found to be issued in excess of the legal limits. The court said that in cases where it is established, upon inquiry that the accident occurred due to the employer's fault, including non-compliance with licensing conditions, safety protocols, or subleasing of premises, the licensing authority shall take appropriate action, including cancellation of licence. "The responsibility to regulate hazardous industries is statutory, not discretionary," observed Justice Pugalendhi.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Time of India
Cops seize ‘explosives' from abandoned truck near Bassi
Jaipur: The city police discovered suspected explosives in a deserted pick-up truck near Mohanpura bridge in Jaipur Saturday. Officials at Bassi police station confiscated 2,075 kg of substances that appeared to be explosive materials from the location. The authorities notified the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) regarding the seizure. An FIR was registered at Bassi police station concerning the discovered (Bassi) Mahesh Sharma said that the explosives discovered were ammonium nitrate . According to officials, the suspicious vehicle was first noticed by Head Constable Shyamlal around 2.30am Friday night. The truck was parked in front of a tea stall with no driver in sight. Upon being alerted, DO ASI Jaswant Singh and his team arrived at the location and discovered several cartons and plastic bags labeled with "Ammonium Nitrate," both commonly associated with high-powered explosive compounds. Upon inspection, the police found 63 cartons weighing 25kg each and 10 plastic bags labeled 50kg each, filled with a granular white substance, suspected to be ammonium nitrate. In total, 2,075kg of suspected explosives were police traced the pick-up's registration to one Ishwar, a resident of Mandal in Bhilwara, but neither the owner nor the driver contacted authorities. The vehicle's steering was locked, and it was towed to the police station with the help of a Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has been informed and is expected to collect samples for verification. Officials said further investigation will proceed after PESO's analysis."The presence of such a large quantity of explosive material without any valid documentation or supervision is highly concerning. The source, purpose, and legality of the consignment are now under investigation," said an official. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Sample fireworks set the sky aflame in Thrissur
With regulations eased at Thrissur Pooram this year, fireworks enthusiasts were treated to a closer, clearer view than usual at the sample show (first round of fireworks) on Sunday, thanks to improved viewing access. Both Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu devaswoms delivered on every expectation, setting the night ablaze with a breathtaking fusion of colour and sound. They didn't just put on a show; they took the crowd on a euphoric ride. The fact that it fell on a Sunday added to the excitement, as a sea of people began flowing into the city by noon. As traffic restrictions kicked in by afternoon, vehicles were parked on the city outskirts, and hordes of spectators made their way on foot to the iconic Swaraj Round. Tradition of delay Scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., the sample fireworks stuck to the tradition of starting fashionably late. Thiruvambady led the charge by 7.30 p.m., opening with thunderous 'kuzhiminnal' (ground-shaking bombs) that sent a pulse of raw energy through the city. What followed was a medley of 'olappadakkam,' 'gundu,' and 'amittu' — each explosion punctuated by rhythmic roars from the crowd. Thiruvambady's sample built up to a dazzling climax, painting the sky in a storm of colour and sound, igniting a chorus of jubilation from the packed crowd. Then came Paramekkavu's turn. As the smoke from Thiruvambady's finale drifted from the skyline, Paramekkavu lit their first fuse by 8.30 p.m. Their fireworks began with deep rumbles and soon escalated into a full-blown sonic spectacle. A seamless fusion of ola, kuzhiminnal, gundu, and amittu bloomed overhead, casting brilliant hues over the city. 'Amittu' blooms Both groups wrapped up their displays with signature amittu blooms, unleashing a symphony of colours. Children clapped with delight mesmerised by the sheer brilliance of the blooms unfolding above them. This year, a notable change was the repositioning of the fire lines. In compliance with PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) guidelines and to ensure better crowd management, both groups moved their firing zones slightly deeper into the Thekkinkadu maidan. This adjustment not only ensured safe distance between the fireworks and spectators, but also allowed more people to enjoy the show from Swaraj Round. Thrissur Pooram will be celebrated on May 6 and the main fireworks' display will be in the early hours of Wednesday.
