New Delhi, June 25 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report titled "Blast in Illegal Firecracker Factory in Punjab's Muktsar - 5 Dead, 29 Injured", initiating formal proceedings into the tragic incident that occurred on May 30, 2025.

The explosion took place around 2 AM in a two-storey illegal firecracker factory located in Sinhewala village near Lambi, in Sri Muktsar Sahib district, Punjab. The blast claimed the lives of five migrant workers and injured at least 29 others.

The tribunal noted that the Preliminary reports indicate that the factory was operating without authorisation and unlawfully storing hazardous materials, thereby violating both environmental and explosives regulations.

The...