Hyderabad: The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) has ordered the closure of the production building at Premier Explosives Ltd in Peddakandukur village of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, and directed disconnection of power supply to the unit after concluding that the company had failed to take adequate measures to prevent fire and explosion accidents.The order, issued on May 16, 2026, followed a fire accident on April 20, 2026, in Building No. C-11 and an earlier fire reported on August 12, 2025, in the Emulsion Explosive (EM)-I building. The board said the company had not complied with earlier directions and had failed to implement adequate safety measures to prevent accidents.Two workers injured during mixing operationAccording to the TGPCB, the April 20 fire occurred during preparation of a pyrotechnic composition, involving Red Lead, Silicon and Lacquer. Workers were manually premixing a 16 kg batch. During the addition of the premixed composition into a sigma mixer containing NC lacquer, a fire suddenly erupted.
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Two workers, Kranthi Kumar and T Yellaiah, had sustained burn injuries and were treated at a hospital.Following the incident and the Task Force Committee meeting held on May 7, 2026, the board ordered immediate closure of Production Building No. C-11 and directed the Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (TGSPDCL) to disconnect power supply to the industry with immediate effect.Earlier, a fire incident at Premier Explosives Ltd. occurred on August 12, 2025 on the premises of the Emulsion Explosive (EM)-I building. In response to this accident, the TGPCB issued formal directions on September 10, 2025, which included a strict requirement that the company cease operations in the EM-1 building until they obtained necessary permissions and followed recommendations from the factories department. Although the industry representative later claimed during a May 2026 hearing that these permissions had been obtained, the board noted that they had failed to submit the actual copy of the factories department approval for verification. This lack of documented compliance, combined with a subsequent fire in 2026, contributed to the board’s conclusion that the company had not taken adequate safety measures.₹48 lakh bank guarantee forfeitedThe TGPCB also ordered forfeiture of a ₹48 lakh bank guarantee for non-compliance with safety directions. The company has been directed to submit a fresh bank guarantee of ₹48 lakh to ensure future compliance, and another ₹48 lakh bank guarantee to recoup the forfeited amount.The board requested the director general of fire services to conduct a safety audit and suggest preventive measures. Premier Explosives Ltd has also been directed to conduct periodic mock drills at least once every six months and submit reports to the board.The TGPCB said additional safety measures must be implemented to ensure safe operations before any revocation of the closure order can be considered.The board warned that if the company continues to operate despite the closure and power disconnection orders, it will face prosecution under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. The board said violations attract imprisonment ranging from one-and-a-half years to six years and a fine.
