Himachal factory blaze: Perfume manufacturing unit did not have license to use alcoholic products

Solan, February 5

The erring perfume manufacturing unit NR Aroma had no pollution certification or excise license to use alcoholic products.

These findings were shared by Harshwardhan Chauhan, Industries and Labour and Employment minister, while reviewing the shortcomings of the erring unit at Baddi on Monday.

Taking stern view of these glaring irregularities the minister directed the concerned officials to act as per norms against the firm.

The lax attitude of the officials of regulatory departments has been exposed and it remained to be seen if any accountability would be fixed. The unit was operational since 2008-2009.

Notably, consent to establish and then operate is mandatory for any industrial unit before it assumes operation.

A multi-departmental task force has been constituted, comprising officials of state pollution control board, electricity board, town and country planning, central taxes and excise, etc to examine various aspects of the unit.

A fact finding exercise would be undertaken to examine all units using hazardous chemicals in its processes and accountability of erring officers would be fixed.

He has also directed the fire department to be equipped with requirements equipment and ensure mock drills are conducted by all units to step up their fire preparedness.

Issues like relaxation in floor area ratio for units would also be explored.