Unit ordered shut after gas leakage

A while later,the leaking chlorine gas spread into the neighbouring paper factory,affecting over 18 labourers there. They were rushed to Haria Hospital. Another 15 people were affected in the neighbouring Sulpad village,among them five minors,including a nine-month-old child.

Doctors at Haria Hospital said those affected complained of breathing problems,vomiting and loose motion but their condition was stable now.

Following the incident,officials from Gujarat Pollution Control Board and the local factory inspector visited the site for inspection and probe.

Later,the manager of the paper factory filed a complaint of negligence at the Vapi GIDC police station against Makwell Plasticizer Pvt. Ltd.

Deputy Director (Industrial Safety and Health) T J Gamit said,“We have sent our teams on the spot for inspection.

Preliminary probe shows the leakage took place through to a crack in the copper tube attached between feeder and chlorine gas turner. We have issued a closure notice to the factory . The company produces chlorinated paraffin.”

Environment activist Manisha Goswami demanded compensation to the affected people and threatened the move the High Court.

Local councillor Sanjay Patel said,“Villagers and domestic animals have been badly affected. A goat,cow and a dog have died. Even agricultural fields have been affected. We have made representations to the GPCB officials and even the factory inspectors to take strict actions against the company officials.”