Chlorine leak lands 39 in hospital

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, December 18

Panic spread in Rajiv Colony in Panchkula when an old chlorine cylinder kept at the waterworks of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) leaked this evening.

With the leakage of the chlorine cylinder, 39 people got affected. As many as 15 patients were taken to the General Hospital, Sector 6, Panchkula, while the remaining 24 were taken to the GMSH-16, Chandigarh, and Mani Majra. According to information, around 6 pm residents of Rajiv Colony started complaining of breathing problem. They found that chlorine gas was leaking from HUDA’s waterworks.

HUDA’s XEN NK Payal said they got the information in the evening. After that, they immediately lifted the cylinder from there and dumped the same in the Ghaggar. The situation is under control.

“Around 2-3 kg gas was left in the cylinder, which was old. HUDA has already started phasing out gas-based chlorination system with the liquid-based chlorination. The work will be completed soon in Panchkula,” said a senior HUDA official.

Panchkula MLA Gian Chand Gupta, who met the patients at the General Hospital here, said HUDA should penalise the agency that supplied the cylinder. He said HUDA should ensure that such incidents not be repeated in future.

Breathing problem, irritation in eyes

A total of 15 residents, including women and children, had reached the General Hospital, Sector 6, Panchkula, complaining of breathing problem and irritation in eyes. Out of the 15 residents, 12 were discharged after administering first aid. Two residents were put on oxygen, but their condition is also under control.

Past incident

On August 10 this year, a total of 45 persons had landed in the hospital after a dysfunctional chlorine cylinder, installed at a tubewell at the Sector 20 Ashiana flats, had started leaking.