Nagpur Chlorine Gas Leak: 40 Fall Ill, NDRF Contains 900-Kg Cylinder

A chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant in Nagpur's Godhni area has left over 40 people hospitalized, with several residents developing breathing difficulties. The incident occurred around 1 AM on Monday at the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran's Godhni Municipal Council Water Treatment Plant, when chlorine gas began leaking from a 900-kg capacity cylinder.

The leak sparked widespread panic in the area, with local police personnel and administrative officials swiftly alerting residents to evacuate to safer locations. Some affected people were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation Fire Department dispatched two water tenders and personnel equipped with breathing apparatus to the site. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was also deployed to contain the leak.

The joint rescue operation concluded around 5:30 AM after the intensity of the leakage decreased. Emergency personnel successfully moved the 900-kg chlorine cylinder and submerged it into a water tank containing a caustic soda solution to neutralise the toxic gas safely.

Eight to 10 plant employees and 20 to 25 local residents were hospitalized, with four to five admitted to the ICU. The affected people were treated at Sparsh Hospital in Zingabai Takli and Mayo Hospital.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of water treatment plants in the area. A month ago, at least 14 women workers were hospitalized following an ammonia gas leak at a separate plant.

The NDRF and local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the leak. The affected residents are being monitored for any further health complications.

The incident highlights the importance of having emergency response plans in place to deal with such situations. The quick response of the NDRF and local authorities helped to contain the leak and prevent further damage.

The Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran has announced an investigation into the incident and has promised to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident has also raised questions about the safety of the water supply in the area. The authorities have assured that the water supply is safe and that necessary measures are being taken to prevent any further contamination.

In conclusion, the chlorine gas leak at the Nagpur water treatment plant has highlighted the importance of having emergency response plans in place and the need for regular safety checks at such facilities. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of the water supply in the area and the need for authorities to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.