Chittoor Collector directs officials to strengthen safety measures in chemical industries

District Collector Sumit Kumar on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) directed the officials to strengthen safety measures in chemical industries across the district to prevent accidents and improve preparedness.

At a review meeting held at the Collectorate here with industry representatives and officials, the Collector said that all units should conduct regular mock drills in the presence of authorities, and workers must be trained in evacuation procedures, handling hazards, and preventing accidents.

Officials from the fire, police, and revenue departments were told to organise awareness programmes on dealing with emergencies such as fires, explosions, and gas leaks, which are common risks in such industries.

The Collector said safety review meetings should be held once every three months, and factory management must submit compliance reports regularly.

He also directed Revenue Divisional Officers, Deputy SPs, and pollution control board officials to carry out field inspections to ensure safety norms are being followed.

An expert agency would be finalised to prepare an off-site emergency plan, with proposals from two organisations under consideration. The district has several major accident hazard units, 41 other hazardous factories and petroleum pipelines, making strict monitoring necessary, Mr. Sumit Kumar added.