The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed officials in Virudhunagar district to temporarily shut down firecracker manufacturing units that refuse to submit to inspection or are found violating safety and environmental regulations. The bench, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati, was hearing a batch of suo motu cases taken up, based on multiple fatal explosions in fireworks units across Virudhunagar district since late 2023.During the previous hearing, the bench directed two teams — one headed by Chief Controller of Explosives from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the other by the District Collector or District Revenue Officer of Virudhunagar — to conduct thorough inspections and submit detailed findings within ten days.On Tuesday, the counsel appearing for the State government brought to the bench’s attention a The Hindu report dated July 14, which stated that over 200 units remained closed during the inspection drive. Noting that it was “audacious” of the firecracker units to be closed during the inspection, the bench said that any unit refusing inspection may also be ordered shut. It also questioned the State government’s hesitation in temporarily shutting down non-compliant units, stating that lives must take precedence over livelihoods.The counsel representing PESO informed the bench that six firecracker units were recently found to be in violation of safety norms and were immediately closed. Additionally, eight units remained shut at the time of inspection and were issued show cause notices.“We direct the District Collector of Virudhunagar District, along with the other concerned departments, to immediately commence the special inspection drive and take prompt action to shut down any unit found to be in violation of the rules. Additionally, they may also close down units that refuse to permit inspection by the authorities,” the bench said in its order.The bench also directed that even compliant units should be inspected and issued advisories to ensure continued adherence to statutory norms. The inspection drive must begin without delay, and a status report is to be filed before the next hearing on July 29.Published - July 23, 2025 12:57 am IST