Thane, March 13 Factories in the Ambernath area of Maharashtra's Thane district have been instructed to submit their fire and safety audit reports within eight days, officials said on Friday.
The directive from Industries Minister Uday Samant follows a major fire at Shree Ganesh Chemical Company in the Anandnagar Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation on Monday.
The minister visited the site on Wednesday.
"The officials must have comprehensive information about the companies operating in their jurisdiction, particularly regarding their safety and fire prevention measures. This information must be made available to the representatives of the people," Samant told the officials during the inspection.
The minister warned of strict action if it is found that any company deliberately caused a fire to claim insurance.
"It is our primary responsibility to protect the human settlements adjacent to these industrial estates. We cannot compromise on the safety of citizens," he said.
MIDC staff have been instructed to ensure that the factories in the area submit their fire and safety audit reports within a week, the officials added.