Chlorine gas leak at Maharashtra's Chandrapur water plant, 60-70 families evacuated

Panic gripped Maharashtra's Chandrapur on Wednesday evening after chlorine gas leaked from the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation’s water purification plant. The leak caused severe irritation and discomfort among residents, forcing dozens of families to flee their homes.

As the gas spread through the locality, people complained of “burning eyes, nausea, uneasiness, and vomiting.” Many said that breathing had become difficult and were seen covering their faces with handkerchiefs and masks.

District administration and municipal officials rushed to the spot with ambulances and fire brigade units as soon as the leak was reported. Senior police officers, including the Superintendent of Police, also arrived with their teams to control the situation.

Residents revealed that a foul smell had been noticeable since Tuesday night. On Wednesday evening, however, the effect intensified. Around 7 pm, a major leakage occurred, and the wind carried the gas across the area, affecting a large section of the locality. This forced hundreds of residents to leave their homes, while “60 to 70 families were shifted to safer locations by the administration.”

Children and women were also among those affected, and several people were admitted to hospitals. However, authorities clarified that there had been no loss of life so far.

By 8 pm, a special team had begun repair work at the water purification plant. Municipal officials, staff, and police personnel remained present at the site, which was sealed off to prevent public entry. Police evacuated the entire area to ensure safety.

The District Disaster Management Authority later issued a press note confirming the incident. It said, “Chlorine gas leakage occurred at the water purification plant of Chandrapur Municipal Corporation in Rahmatnagar area. The municipal fire brigade is present at the site. There has been no loss of life. Residents of 60 to 70 houses have been shifted to Kidwai School and other municipal schools. The situation is under control.”

Authorities have assured that the situation is stable, though monitoring continues.

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