Safety measures to be revamped to check further gas leaks: Vasan

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI - Hours after the chlorine gas leak at one of the warehouses of the Mumbai Port Trust, Shipping Minister G K Vasan assured that the government would review the present safety norms to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents in the future.

Expressing his sorrow at the unforeseen tragedy, Vasan said this at New Delhi on Wednesday (July 12).

However, he maintained that the Indian port authorities are well equipped and they follow the prescribed safety mechanisms in their operations.

“All the ports have guidelines on the safety aspects and they are following the guidelines. However, after this incident, which has taken place in the Mumbai port, I have directed that the safety measures should be reviewed immediately. It should be strengthened and stepped up,” said Vasan.

Earlier in the day, just prior to dawn, chlorine gas leaked from cylinders stored in the scrap yard of the Mumbai Port Trust in the Sewri industrial area.

Panic spread in the area after the gas leak was detected, and people started complaining of eye irritation as well as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache.

At least 103 people were hospitalised after their condition deteriorated after the leak, out of which six were believed to be in critical condition.

Meanwhile, Shraddha Jadhav, Mayor of Mumbai, visited the scene of the mishap to gauge the damage caused by the leak.

In an informal interaction with reporters, she said that it was a case of negligence and that action would follow suit as soon as the investigation is completed.

People in nearby areas have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Breathing lower concentrations of chlorine gas can aggravate the respiratory system, and exposure to the gas can irritate the eyes. (ANI)