After a fire incident in an ink factory and godown (see previous post) where fire services fought for 22 hours to control the fire, it is not clear which government department is responsible for looking after safety. Pollution control board feels the factory/godown does not come under them as it is not polluting. Industries department, a single window, says it is only for facilitation. Factories department too is not responsible as the factory in question employs less than 10 employees. The role of municipality which gave water connection and that of electricity department that provided electrical connection is not known.
From the above, it is really surprising how safety of the employees, public and environment can be ensured and this can be the reason for existence of illegal units in industrial areas.
This calls for changes in the Acts such that however small and whatever be the nature of operation, permissions should be obtained from departments of factories, pollution control, explosives, electricity, municipality, fire, health, police, etc and then only the local revenue or some identified department permits setting up of the plant.
It is mandatory even for shops to register with local municipality and pay taxes as required. Hence, the ambiguity in safety during industrial activity must be removed by proper legislation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Factory-fire-Govt-departments-pass-the-buck/articleshow/15523227.cms