West Bengal: Gas leak at fertilizer company leaves people ailing in Panagarh, TMC to hold protest

Gas leak incident at Asia's second largest fertilizer company located at Panagarh, Matrix Fertilizer and Chemicals, has sparked panic among the villagers and people residing in the nearby areas.

The fertilizer company was opened on test basis on Sunday after which report of gas leak namely "ammonia" created panic. Ammonia is a colourless gas with a pungent odour. Ammonia gas which is also produced in the human body and is commonly found in nature can be dangerous if the concentration of gas increases.  

Though the problem was treated seriously and the situation was handled immediately, a panic was created among the residents there.  

Locals complained of headache, vomiting and uneasiness. The condition was observed mostly in children and elderly persons. Many of them were also rushed to the local hospital for primary treatment. Deterioration continued with most of the female and children falling ill.  

"I was shivering and was feeling dizziness. I went to the hospital for checkup. I was unable to breath," said Tutul Baij. Elderly persons even complained of breathing trouble. Panic spread to such an extent that the villagers even shifted their children to safer places in the nearby villages.

ENTIRE VILLAGE AFFECTED

"There are 800 people residing in this village and everyone of them is suffering. Especially, the kids and females are facing breathing troubles, and the elderly people are also facing severe health issues," said Goutam Ghosh, a local resident.

"Everybody was in panic. No one came from the factory to visit or show some concern. They say that this will not be permanent but we will have to go through this," added Tutul.

The situation seems to have improved from Monday but villagers complained that the factory authority did not turn up in the village to take stock of the situation. Villagers also said that whenever they speak about the problem the factory authority responded saying that they will have to bear this for the sake of the factory.

Speaking on the issue ruling party TMC block president Ram Krishna Ghosh said, "the problem mostly on Sunday, but today the situation is under control. We have talked with the factory people and will be arranging an awareness camp in the village."

He added that the company assured to bring experts from Delhi to resolve the issue. Ghosh, who acknowledged the problems faced by the locals, has even announced to go on a movement if the issue was not resolved immediately.

Surrounding of the fertilizer factory. (Photo: Anil Giri)

The growth of chemical industries has led to an increase in the list of occurrence of incidents associated with hazardous chemical. Locals said that increased industrial activities here  led to these types of industrial accidents. Such incidents are pronounced in terms of injuries, pain, suffering, loss of lives, and damage to environment.

Locals holding ammonia granules. (Photo: Anil Giri)

It is worthwhile mentioning that this factory came up after many odds and land acquisition from the local villagers in the industrial belt of Panagarh. On Sunday, the factory was opened for the first time on test basis which lead to the gas leak problem wreaking havoc and leaving people ailing.

Medical report of one of the locals.

With inputs from Anil Giri, Burdwan