Saturday's fire across five units in Bhosari area, highlights the need for thorough checks. Though District Collector Chandrakant Dalvi had sent a recommendation to the state government for increasing the number of inspectors, there has been no progress in this direction.

“I have just three people under me and there are another four under the additional director,” said joint director, ISHD, SM Karande.

On whether there was any government notification on filling up the recommended 15 posts, he said the department had got no such notice. With 400 listed hazardous units, Karande said there was a need for frequent checks. “We definitely need more people,” he said.

Meanwhile, a committee comprising Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) additional commissioner, ISHD joint director and fire department was to ready a report on staff awareness and the number of staff present per unit. They were also required to pay regular visits to the area after the August 27 inferno.

“The visits are on and a detailed report is expected by December end,” said PCMC Commissioner Ashish Sharma.

The collector had said the deparment would conduct a survey and present their requirements. But the staff shortage makes it tough.

Pune district houses over 5,000 industrial units of which 400 are hazardousand deal in explosives, chemicals and highly inflammable materials.