Finally, the State Government has directed the Bhushan Steel limited in Dhenkanal to conduct a safety audit of the plant by engaging the elite Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur and submit a report soon.
labour department Secretary CTM Suguna said after the incident, a two-member team, comprising Deputy Director Safety Malay Pradhan and Assistant Director Ramesh Behera, rushed to the spot to assess the situation. The steps were taken following the preliminary report of the team, she asserted. On the question of total closure of the plant, she said a decision would be taken after receipt of the detailed report on the overall safety aspect. The plant authorities have to inform the State labour department relating to the safety standard by holding a safety audit in every three months, she said. Meanwhile, labour Minister Bijoyshree Routray warned that stern action would be taken against the plant authorities for violation of safety norms. “If the Bhushan authorities would not rectify the lapses soon, the State Government would act tough. We will not remain as a mute spectator,” Routray asserted. Meanwhile, Senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra demanded the closure of Bhushan Steel for the successive accidents and gross violation of environmental laws.
“Bhushan Steel has become a killing machine and should not be allowed to operate for lack of safety measures,” he said. Despite regular accidents which have taken the toll of over 100 human lives, the Bhushan Steel has managed to get the best awards for maintaining highest safety measures from the national orgnisation like National Safety Council. It should be probed, Mohapatra said, seeking a clarification from the labour department.