Expert committee appointed to investigate blast at Sigachi Industries in Pashamylaram
Hyderabad: The Telangana government has appointed an expert committee to investigate the explosion at Sigachi Industries Ltd. in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, which occurred on June 30, 2025, at approximately 9:20 a.m.
The incident took place at the company’s facility located at Plot Nos. 20 and 21, IDA Phase-I, Patancheru Mandal, where microcrystalline cellulose powder, commonly used in pharmaceutical tablets and capsules, is manufactured.
According to a preliminary report submitted by the Director of Factories on the same day, 143 workers were inside the premises when the explosion occurred. The blast led to the death of more than 40 people and left several others injured. The government, after reviewing the initial findings, has constituted a committee of experts to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations.
The expert committee will be headed by Dr. B. Venkateswar Rao, Emeritus Scientist at CSIR-IICT. The other members include Dr. T. Prathap Kumar, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IICT; Dr. Surya Narayana, retired scientist from CSIR-CLRI, Hyderabad; and Dr. Santosh Ghuge, Safety Officer at CSIR-NCL, Pune.
The committee has been given specific terms of reference. It is expected to identify the causes of the explosion and determine whether the standard operating procedures for worker safety were in place and followed. It will also examine whether there were any lapses, violations, or failures in complying with the required chemical and industrial safety protocols.
In addition, the committee will look into the roles and responsibilities of the factory management, staff, and workers. The team has been authorized to interact with relevant consultants, organizations, and government officials as part of its investigation.
The committee has been asked to submit its findings along with concrete suggestions within one month. The Director of Factories, Telangana, will assist the committee and ensure it has access to all necessary information and support during the course of its investigation.
