Panic grips Nangal border villages after suspected gas leak

Panic gripped several villages along the Punjab-Himachal border near Nangal on Wednesday night following reports of a suspected gas leakage from one of the chemical plants operating in Nangal.

Residents from adjoining Himachal villages reported seeing thick white clouds around 8 pm, sparking fear among locals. In Malookpur village of Himachal Pradesh, some children reportedly complained of breathing difficulties, while in Punjab’s Sanoli Majra village, local gurdwaras made announcements urging residents to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed.

Una BJP MLA Satpal Satti rushed to the affected areas soon after the incident. Speaking to The Tribune, he said, “The situation is normal now, though there were reports of breathing problems in some pockets.”

Nangal SDM Sachin Pathak said that he would visit the chemical units during the night to assess the situation. “Teams from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) have been dispatched to collect samples from National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) and Primo Chemicals, both located in the Nangal industrial area,” he said.

During preliminary checks, both companies reportedly denied any leakage from their plants. “The exact cause can only be established after the PPCB submits its analytical report,” the SDM added.

Meanwhile, videos purportedly showing white gas clouds hovering over the area have been circulating on social media, deepening public anxiety. Villagers from the affected border regions have warned of protests if such incidents recur, demanding stricter environmental monitoring of chemical units operating in the area.