A chlorine gas leak at a factory in Bhopal’s Govindpura Industrial Area left several people complaining of eye irritation and breathing difficulties Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 3:30 pm when chlorine gas began escaping from the facility’s chemical storage area, spreading into nearby surroundings.
Additional District Magistrate Ankur Meshram told The Indian Express that old sacks stored in the factory’s basement had triggered the reaction. “Local labourers reported smoke, thinking there was a fire. The reaction was due to chromite oxidation. Exhaust systems were used to vent the gas, and safety gear was deployed to remove the sacks,” Meshram said.
According to officials, water sprayed by fire trucks during initial response efforts caused the gas to disperse further. “The gas spread due to water entering the chemical store. Although the quantity of chlorine was not large, fire trucks sprayed water considering the risk of fire,” Meshram said.
Officials said the leak caused panic among workers and local residents. “People in and around the factory started tearing up and facing breathing problems. We had to wear masks at the site,” said a senior district administration official, who reached the spot shortly after the incident.
Teams from the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF), Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s fire brigade, police, and the electricity department were deployed.
Bhopal Collector Kaushilendra Vikram Singh has ordered a joint investigation by the Chief Medical and Health Officer, Municipal Corporation, and Industry Department, with a report due within two days. Authorities have said strict action will be taken if negligence is established.
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The owner of Adish Industries, however, denied the gas leak.
“No gas leaked. Some powder caught fire, emitting smoke. We took all precautionary measures and the situation was brought under control within half an hour,” Raghav Goswami, the owner claimed. —With PTI inputs
