Balotra/Barmer (Rajasthan) — A fire broke out at the refinery project in the Pachpadra area of Balotra district, Rajasthan, on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred when the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), one of the refinery's critical units, and the vacuum
Work was going on in the distillation unit (VDU).
According to sources, smoke and flames suddenly appeared in the unit around 2 p.m., causing panic among the workers on the scene. The refinery's fire safety system was immediately activated, and the workers were safely evacuated.
Employees were evacuated safely from the CDU-VDU unit
Following the incident, employees working in both units were immediately evacuated as per safety protocols. According to initial information, efforts to control the situation were swift, although the cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed.
Big setback before inauguration, PM's visit postponed
The Prime Minister was scheduled to inaugurate the refinery, a long-awaited event. However, following the fire, his program has been postponed.
According to administrative sources, the decision was made due to security concerns and after reviewing the situation. A new date for the PM's upcoming visit will be decided later.
The wait was going on for 13 years
The Pachpadra Refinery Project, considered one of Rajasthan's largest industrial projects, had been awaited locally for the past 13 years. This incident, just before its inauguration, has significantly impacted the project's launch.
At present the situation is said to be under control
Local authorities and technical teams are on the scene and monitoring the situation. An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched. No major damage or casualties have been officially confirmed yet.
