Massive fire damages cooling tower of HPC Paper Mill

April 14: A devastating incident of fire occurred in the cooling tower of Nagaon Paper Mill thereby causing severe damage to the property of Hindustan Paper Corporation. Flames coming out of the Nagaon mill could be seen in a video clip. This was informed by Manabendra Chakraborty, Union leader of the HPC Paper Mills. In this connection, Mr. Chakraborty sent an email to the Liquidator of HPC. Copies of the email were also marked to Assam Government and Prime Minister of India.

Manabendra Chakraborty wrote, “It has come to our notice that a devastating fire incident occured at cooling tower of NPM and severe damage took place to the property of the corporation. Unfortunately, while an attempt of revival of the industry is under process as per order of the adjudicating authority, this type of incident may severely hinder the interests of national assets….Therefore, lapses on the part of the management cannot be overruled.”

It is in this connection that Mr. Chakraborty urged upon to, “Initiate immediate necessary steps to find out the cause of the fire and resultant damage so that the recoveries and realisation may be made fixing the responsibilities.”

It needs mention here that the two paper mills at Nagaon and Panchgram are closed since 3 years following which the employees too are devoid of their salaries for such a long period of time.