Nagpur
Around 50 people were hospitalised after a chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant in Godhani Nagar on Monday, causing panic in nearby residential areas. Those affected reported breathing difficulties, coughing, headaches, anxiety and low oxygen levels. The leak occurred between 1 am and 1:45 am at the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran’s water treatment plant, where chlorine escaped from a 900-kg cylinder.
As the gas spread, residents rushed away from the area amid confusion and fear. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation and the National Disaster Response Force evacuated people living within a 200-metre radius of the plant and shifted them to safer places. Several residents were taken to hospitals after experiencing health problems. Pets and stray animals in the locality were also reportedly affected.
A team from Orange City Water moved the leaking cylinder and submerged it in a water tank containing a caustic soda solution to neutralise the gas. People requiring medical attention were taken to Sparsh Hospital in Zingabai Takli and Mayo Hospital in Nagpur. Doctors said patients mainly complained of breathing trouble, coughing, headaches, anxiety and reduced oxygen levels.
Police, fire brigade officials, NDRF personnel and other emergency teams joined the rescue operation. Inspector Haresh Kalsekar said the joint operation brought the leak under control by 9 am and the situation was later calm. Authorities continued monitoring the area after the leak was contained. The incident has raised concerns over safety measures at facilities handling large quantities of hazardous chemicals. Officials are assessing the situation and the condition of those hospitalised.