Jaipur, Apr 21 (PTI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Tuesday visited the Pachpadra refinery in Balotra, a day after a major fire at the facility.
The chief minister, accompanied by Law Minister Jogaram Patel and Chief Secretary V Srinivas, inspected the fire-hit portion and reviewed the situation.
Patel said that whatever technical shortcomings are found will be rectified.
After the visit, he told reporters that the refinery’s inauguration had been postponed.
He said a leakage was detected in the refinery premises around 1.55 pm on Tuesday.
“Technical officials and the HPCL team responded immediately and brought the situation under complete control within about an hour, by 2.45 pm,” he said.
“The prompt action of officials helped avert a major accident. There was no loss of life,” Patel said.
The minister said Sharma, during his visit, carried out a detailed inspection of the technical systems and external safety arrangements at the refinery.
“The chief minister also interacted with fire personnel stationed in the control room and appreciated their preparedness,” Patel said. The minister said that the refinery is spread over a vast area, and the impact of the leakage remained confined to a limited section.
“Experts from other refineries and senior technical teams are being called to examine the cause and ensure a permanent solution,” he said.
Patel said the refinery will begin commercial production once repair work is completed.
The refinery is expected to boost industrial development in the region and generate employment opportunities.
It was scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. PTI SDA VN VN
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.