Says firm can re-apply for NOC after complying with PESO rules
Fire engulfed the gunpowder/propellant storage at Naqueri.
MARGAO
In a major development on the March 20 Naqueri gunpowder storage fire and explosion, South Goa district Collector, Egna Cleetus, IAS has withdrawn and cancelled with immediate effect the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to Ms Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd.
An order passed by the district Collector, however, has given the liberty to the applicant company to re-apply for the NOC after complying with all the guidelines laid down by Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), besides explosive rules.
The Collector’s action comes against the reports received from the line departments on the ongoing inquiry into the March 20 incident, including the email dated April 7 received from the Joint Chief Controller of Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), Mumbai.
“All the egregious lapses in safety, security, and transparency demonstrate a systemic failure on the part of the company to uphold its obligations under the NOC, thereby justifying the immediate withdrawal of the certificate in the interest of public safety and environmental protection”, the Collector asserted in her order.
She further added: “As the magazine no 2 was not having licence, hence the storage of explosives is in violation of Rule 7 of the ER, 2008. Also, since there is unauthorized explosive material stored in the magazine, NOC of the magazine cannot be endorsed. The emergent cancellation is a necessary and proportionate response to mitigate further risks and ensure accountability for the grave violations committed by the company”.
“In light of the findings and observations, and in compliance with the email dated 07/04/2025 from the Joint Chief Controller of Petroleum &Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) Mumbai, the No Objection Certificate (NOC) No. 34/01/2024/EXP/MAG/MO.4555 dated 12/11/2024 issued to M/s Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. hereby stands withdrawn and cancelled with immediate effect”, the Collector ordered.
The Collector’s action comes close on the heels of a silent morcha staged by the villagers of Naqueri-Betul in front the South Goa Collectorate last week. The action also assumes significance in view of the statement made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during the weekend that the company will not be allowed to resume operations till they comply with all the guidelines and rules.
After the late March 20 incident of fire and explosion at Magazine 1 of the company at Naqueri, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) had on March 21 suspended the licences issued to the company for storage as well as carriage of the propellant.
After a preliminary inquiry, PESO has stated that due to the accident, the magazine is not safe for use, adding that the incident amounts to violation of Rule 118(2)(ii) and 131 of the Explosives Rules, 2008.
The Cuncolim police had also registered a FIR against the management and staff of Ms Hughes Precision Manufacturing Ltd for negligence and endangering human lives.
