KOCHI: Even after a series of blasts in cracker units across the state, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Kakkanad, is yet to wake from its slumber. PESO, which is entrusted to conduct a detailed investigation of blast sites, still believes that it is not an essential service in emergency situations.“We do not have to rush to the spot the moment we are informed of any devastating incident,” K Sundaresan, chief controller of explosives, said. However, P K Jayasree, Additional District Magistrate, Thrissur, said it was mandatory. “PESO officials have to be present to inspect the site where a blast has occurred,” she said. As PESO is equipped with staff who can detect the intensity of the blast from the flames and debris, the statement from the PESO official raises serious concerns.Lack of communication is another reason cited by them. PESO authorities say it is the district administration that is authorised to inform them about the blasts. If the latter fails, then there is no other means for them to know about the incident.V K Venkitachalam, Secretary, Public Interest Forum, said that the organisation which should be at the forefront when such an emergency arises is always asleep at the wheel when a situation demands. “When the blast occurred at Athani, I contacted the PESO officials in Kakkanad. The reply I got was to contact the nearest local police station,” he said.Venkitachalam said the department was not at all accessible in times of a catastrophe. “There are times when I contacted the PESO office through fax and e-mail but to no avail. If they cannot even make use of these basic facilities, how can they come to the rescue of people from a precarious situation?”Sundaresan, however, said that these were mere allegations. “The department has its own problems. We are short of staff and adequate transport facilities. All these charges are part of our job. Hence I do not want to comment on it,” he said.
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