Case filed against contractor, cylinder supplier over Godhani chlorine gas leak in Nagpur

A case has finally been registered against the contractor and the chlorine gas cylinder supplier over the chlorine gas leak at the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) water treatment plant at Godhani in Nagpur. The action has been attributed to negligence in the upkeep of the water treatment plant and the cylinder. There was also a delay in the measures that were to be taken immediately after the gas began leaking.

District Collector Dr Kumar Ashirwad had formed a committee to probe the incident. The committee's report held this negligence responsible, and the action has been taken on that basis.

Following the committee's recommendations, MJP deputy engineer Shrikant Battulwar lodged a complaint. Based on it, Mankapur police registered the case against Mohan Anand, operator of "Prithipal Singh and Company", and against "Parvh Associates", the supplier of the chlorine gas cylinders.

On the night of August 23-24, at around 12.45 am, toxic gas suddenly began leaking from a tonner chlorine cylinder at the plant. A strong stench spread across the area. People fast asleep suddenly had difficulty breathing, while small children began vomiting.

The sudden incident caused panic among residents. Many had to flee their homes in the middle of the night to protect themselves. Several people were affected by the toxic gas. Some of them were in a serious condition and had to be admitted to hospital intensive care units.

After the incident, the area up to 200 metres around the plant was evacuated. More than 40 people complained of nausea and vomiting because of the leak and were admitted to hospital. More than 15 others had difficulty breathing and were also treated in hospital.

With the inquiry committee's report pointing to negligence, a police case has now been registered against the contractor and the cylinder supplier.