Mon Jul 14 09:26:35 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Fireworks Factories in Virudhunagar Shut Down Amid NGT Inspection

**VIRUDHUNAGAR, July 14, 2025** – Over 200 fireworks manufacturing units in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, remained closed on Monday, July 14th, fearing stringent action following an inspection ordered by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The NGT directed the inspection after taking *suo moto* cognizance of media reports highlighting frequent and fatal accidents in the firecracker industry. The Southern Bench of the NGT mandated the Virudhunagar District Collector and the Chief Controller of Explosives from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to form inspection teams. These teams are tasked with verifying that all fireworks units possess the necessary licenses and are strictly adhering to safety regulations. Regular inspections by authorities are also being scrutinized.

Police sources indicate that approximately 250 units across Sivakasi, Sattur, and Vembakottai taluks did not commence routine production on Monday. The NGT order explicitly states that authorities must take action, including closure, against any units found in violation of safety norms. The tribunal has granted 10 days to complete the inspections, with the next hearing scheduled for July 22nd.

A senior official confirmed that the District Collector recently assembled teams comprising officials from various departments, including Industrial Safety and Health, Revenue, Police, and Fire and Rescue. The official suggested that factory owners may have preemptively locked their facilities to avoid inspection and potential repercussions. The inspection is focusing on compliance with license conditions and adherence to recommended safety measures within the firework manufacturing units.

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