Jaipur, April 22: Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited the site of a devastating fire at the Pachpadra refinery in Balotara district on Tuesday, a day after the incident. He conducted a thorough review of the situation and held a detailed meeting with officials for nearly two and a half hours, inspecting the exact location where the fire broke out.
The Chief Minister arrived at the refinery around noon, accompanied by Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel and Chief Secretary V. Srinivas. Prior to his arrival, officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state investigative agencies had already reached the scene.
Security measures at the refinery complex were significantly heightened, with strict restrictions on entry at the main gates. Before the Chief Minister’s visit, officials from both central and state agencies were present at the site.
Minister Jogaram Patel announced that a committee has been formed to investigate the incident. He stated, “Any technical flaws will be identified and rectified. Efforts are being made to restart the refinery as soon as possible.”
The fire erupted around 2 PM on Monday in the Crude Distillation Unit, with massive flames and thick smoke visible from several kilometers away. Firefighting teams worked continuously for nearly two and a half hours to bring the blaze under control. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries.
This refinery, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹79,459 crores, was scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 21. However, the inauguration ceremony has been postponed due to the incident.
Extensive preparations for the inauguration had been underway for over a week. A large dome-like structure was erected at a public gathering site located approximately 800 meters from the refinery, accommodating around two lakh attendees. On Tuesday, the removal of these temporary structures began.
Officials reported that only a limited section of the refinery was affected by the incident. Teams from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) are currently assessing the damage. Minister Patel further mentioned that a comprehensive technical report will be prepared, and necessary corrective measures will be taken.
A new date for the refinery’s inauguration is expected to be announced soon. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot described the incident as “unusual” for a new refinery and called for a thorough investigation, expressing concern over how such an event could occur in a newly built facility.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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