Ammonia safety drive urges overhaul of Guntur cold storages

MV Deputy Inspector General of Factories Siva Kumar Reddy at an awareness seminar in Guntur on Thursday. | Photo Credit: T. VIJAY KUMAR

A sustained campaign for industrial safety has led to a major shift in ammonia handling practices at cold storage facilities across Guntur district, with nearly 70 out of 100 facilities shifting ammonia storage tanks from compressor rooms to safer outdoor locations, significantly reducing the risk of industrial disasters, officials said at an information seminar on Thursday.

Representatives of 85 plants participated in the Ammonia Gas Safety Seminar organized by the Guntur Factories Department. Officials emphasized that preventive safety measures are far more valuable than compensation after accidents, stressing that no amount of financial assistance can replace a life lost.

Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories MV Siva Kumar Reddy explained the importance of adopting safer ammonia storage systems, especially in cold storage units, to protect workers and surrounding communities from potential gas leaks.

He said the relocation of the ammonia tanks, many of which had remained in the engine rooms for almost three decades, marked a significant improvement in industrial safety standards.

Cold Warehousing Association President P. Surendrababu attributed the transformation to continuous awareness programs and training conducted by the factories department.

Several factory representatives said that constant monitoring and safety initiatives of the department have contributed to zero fatal industrial accidents in Guntur district.

Cold Storage Association Secretary K. Raghavaiah, Assistant District Fire Officer K. Krishna Reddy and security officers from Coca-Cola, Sangam Dairy and CCL.–eom also participated in the program

Published – 16 Jul 2026 20:21 IST