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NHRC Probes Palghar Gas Leak Evacuating Thousands
6 Mar
Summary
- NHRC took suo motu cognizance of the toxic gas leak incident.
- Around 2,600 people, including 1,600 students, were evacuated.
- The leak originated from a day tank at Bhageria Industries Limited.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated an investigation into a significant oleum gas leak that occurred in Boisar. The incident on March 2 at Bhageria Industries Limited in Palghar district necessitated the evacuation of approximately 2,600 individuals, a group that notably included 1,600 schoolchildren. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained by any person during the event.
The leak, identified as originating from the level indicator glass of a day tank, initially appeared minor but escalated, releasing dense fumes containing sulfur trioxide. These fumes created a fog-like effect, severely reducing visibility and spreading across a 4-5 km radius in the surrounding locality.
In response, the NHRC has formally requested a comprehensive report from the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra within two weeks. This report is expected to detail the circumstances of the leak, the administrative response, and the measures being implemented to prevent recurrence. The commission emphasized that such incidents raise serious concerns regarding public safety and human rights.
Authorities have already filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the company's management. Further investigation by the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is ongoing to ascertain the exact cause and contributing factors.
