Probe against explosives firm for erecting electric posts inside reserve forest area

TRICHY: Vetrivel explosives, which was shut down in December 2016 following a blast at the factory, has run into fresh controversy for allegedly violating forest norms by erecting electric posts inside the reserve forest area. The forest department inquiry has come at a time when the owners are engaged in a legal battle to reopen it.
The complaint was raised by M Natarajan, a villager, to the forest department which prompted it to order a probe.According to him, power connection was given to the factory by erecting seven electric polls a few metres inside the reserve forest area without getting prior permission.
The path used by the tribal people to reach to their hamlets in Patchamalai has also been blocked and water streams from the hill were blocked by putting up fences, he said.
“Erecting electric posts inside reserve forest is a violation,” said a senior official from Trichy district forest department. “We are conducting an inquiry to see if the factory has got any special permission to do so,” said the official.
The factory was closed soon after the blast as district administration had cancelled the no objection certificate issued. A section of villagers had approached the court seeking permanent closure while owners of the factory have challenged it.
Nineteen lives were lost during the blast at the factory situated in Murungapatti village near Thuraiyur. The blast was so intense that even remains of the victims could not be recovered from the blast site. It took several weeks for the authorities to declare the victims dead.
A series of charges were levelled by locals against the firm holding them responsible for ground water pollution and improper effluent disposal.