Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu addressed the tragic Anakapalle industrial accident, emphasizing the government’s commitment to both attracting investments and ensuring public safety.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, the Chief Minister expressed his deep concern over the accident. “This accident shouldn’t have happened. We’re taking stock of all the industries, reviewing the norms, and identifying any lapses. We will rectify them,” he said, assuring that stringent actions would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
A major fire and explosion ripped through a pharma unit in Anakapalle on Wednesday, leaving 17 people dead and 33 injured. The incident, which left several people injured, has raised serious concerns about industrial safety in the region.
On Thursday, Naidu visited the hospital where the injured are being treated and inquired about their health.
“While attracting investments, we have to ensure protection for people’s lives. Today, to give that message, I visited the hospital first. I inquired about the health of the injured, especially those with severe burns. I made it clear to the doctors that money is not a criterion; their recovery is paramount,” he said.
Naidu also reflected on his tenure and the challenges of maintaining safety standards amid rapid industrial growth. “In Vizag alone, over the last five years, there have been 119 accidents resulting in 120 deaths. No concrete action has been taken so far. We need to bring awareness among industries and implement departmental checks without harassing them. That balance is missing today. , and I want to put an end to that,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that public expectations drive his commitment to delivering high standards of governance. “People see me and expect delivery. The urge to do better is always there. We’re working on a comprehensive plan to create a safe and wholesome environment for the public. This involves revamping the system, implementing checks and balances, and even using technology to prevent such accidents.”
Addressing the broader implications, Naidu remarked, “Everything is interlinked. If people expect high standards from me, it’s my job to deliver. Over the past 70-80 days, I’ve been analyzing each department, figuring out the additional measures we need. You’re going to see that while we attract investments, we will also ensure safety for the people.
As the state government moves forward, Naidu’s message is clear: “Once in a while, these types of incidents happen, and people will understand. But if it repeats, we will have a problem. We are very clear on the way forward, and we will manage.”
