Chlorine Gas Leak in Nagpur Leaves Several Hospitalised, 200-Metre Area Evacuated

A chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant in Nagpur shortly after midnight on Monday triggered panic in nearby residential areas, leaving several people with breathing difficulties and prompting authorities to evacuate residents within a 200-metre radius.

The leakage occurred around 1 am at the Godhani village water treatment plant from a chlorine gas cylinder with a capacity of 900 kg, according to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). The gas reportedly spread to nearby settlements, causing residents to flee their homes amid coughing and difficulty in breathing.

Several people were taken to hospitals for treatment. An official from Mankapur police station said some residents reached hospitals on their own, while others were evacuated and taken for medical attention by police personnel.

Following the incident, police evacuated residents within a 200-metre radius and cordoned off the affected area as a precautionary measure. People living in nearby settlements were advised to move to safer locations.

The civic fire department responded after receiving the alert, deploying two water tenders and breathing apparatus to control the situation. Personnel from Orange City Water Pvt Ltd (OCW), which manages drinking water supply in Nagpur, and a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were also brought in to assist with the emergency response.

The leak was plugged at around 5:30 am, after which NDRF personnel, firefighters and OCW staff took additional safety measures. The affected chlorine cylinder was placed inside a tank containing water mixed with caustic soda to help neutralise the remaining chlorine.

Authorities continued to monitor the area after the leak was brought under control. Police appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid believing or spreading rumours regarding the incident.

The cause of the cylinder leak has not been immediately disclosed. Further assessment of the affected plant and surrounding area is expected as authorities investigate the incident.