Maharashtra: On Thursday, September 12, Ambernath residents noticed a thick fog-like haze. After further investigation, it was determined that a gas leak had occurred at a chemical factory in the Morivali MIDC area. The incident took place at Nikachem Products. Residents of the area complained about the smoke and suffered from symptoms like burning eyes, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing.
This caused widespread panic among the residents. The gas leak lingered in the environment from 9 PM until midnight. Many residents reported the issue, and police and fire brigade teams immediately arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Officials from the Air Pollution Control Board were also present.
Dainik Prabhat, a local news channel, reported that the regional officer of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in Kalyan did not personally inspect the site but sent a driver instead. The public was outraged and demanded strict action against him.
It was discovered that the regional officer of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in Kalyan did not personally inspect the site but instead sent a driver.
Dainik Prabhat
The gas leak was traced back to Nikachem Products in the Morivali MIDC, a hub of industrial activity known for housing numerous chemical factories. The area has been reported for air pollution violations multiple times. Residents have been registering complaints about pollution for some time, but no action has been taken against the factories.
After investigation by the fire brigade and other officials, it was concluded that the gas leak might have been caused by a chemical reaction in oil drums stored on the property, likely triggered by high temperatures. The situation is now under control, and those responsible for the negligence are being held accountable. However, residents are seeking assurance that MPCB officers will face justice and that steps will be taken to improve conditions in the area.
Air Pollution and Its Impacts: This incident is a grim reminder of the ongoing air pollution issues in industrial areas like Morivali MIDC. Chemical factories often emit toxic fumes, contributing to both short-term health hazards like the burning eyes and breathing difficulties experienced by residents and long-term effects, including respiratory diseases and environmental degradation. The public's demand for accountability underscores the need for stricter regulations and better enforcement to prevent such incidents in the future. The local authorities must address these concerns not only to restore trust but also to ensure a safer, cleaner environment.
Input from various sources
(Rehash//Yash Kamble/MSM)
