PPCB, MC teams trace 113 ind units within 500m radius of gas leak spot

Ludhiana: Joint teams of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and Ludhiana municipal corporation (MC) have completed inspection up to 500 metres from the epicentre of gas leak in Giaspura where 11 people died in the tragedy on April 30.
Scanning the area since Monday, the teams found out that there were at least 113 industries within 500m radius. Out of these 113, there were about a dozen units which use acids for their operation.

While there was no unit within 50 metres, officials traced two units within 100 metres but those were not using any kind of acid.
The officials will now prepare a report on the basis of their analysis.
Chief engineer of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Sandeep Bahl said, “Before NDRF teams reached the site on Sunday, we had collected a few samples from sewer manholes to identify the gas which killed 11 people. But then teams reached the spot and they found hydrogen sulphide as the culprit. In our samples too, we traced the same gas.” He said they scanned entire area up to a limited radius to find out if any industrial unit is dumping its wastewater in MC sewerage lines.
Bahl said they are still analysing the situation in detail and a compiled report will be submitted to the committee formed by deputy commissioner for the magisterial probe. He claimed that they were analysing reasons for the high concentration of hydrogen sulphide in the area.
Meanwhile, people resumed their normal routine as restricted area was reduced to 25m and shops beyond that opened after a gap of two days. A shopkeeper in the area claimed that even after two days, they could still feel some kind of foul smell in the air.