Gas Leak in Kota Chemical Factory: The residents of Gadepan in Kota district are reeling after an ammonia gas leak from the Chambal Fertilisers plant affected students at a nearby school on Saturday morning. As schoolchildren were going about their morning routine, an ammonia gas leak from the factory affected several people. Seventeen schoolgirls and one elderly woman were affected, nine of them hospitalised in Kota. Eight other students were treated and discharged, but the incident has raised serious questions about safety and accountability.
Chaos Erupts as Students Fall
The gas leak happened during school hours and the effects were immediate. Children were choking and some were seriously ill and fainted. The situation soon turned chaotic. DSP Rajesh Dhaka said that around 10: 30 AM, a few girls going to fetch water returned unwell and informed the staff. By 11: 30 AM, more children started showing symptoms and medical help was sought.
School principal Ranjana Sharma said: ‘Morning prayer was going on when the gas was released from the factory. Some children got sick and we contacted the factory management. They said it was routine and reduced the gas release but the damage had already been done. ’
Officials Rush to the Scene, Investigations Ordered
Senior officials including District Collector Dr. Ravindra Goswami, Rural SP Sujeet Shankar, CMHO Dr. Narendra Nagar and BCMO Dr. Rajesh Samer reached the spot. “We deployed six medical teams to monitor the situation at the school and in villages around, ” said Dr. Samer. “We are concerned about everyone’s health and safety. ”
Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar and Education Minister Madan Dilawar have ordered an inquiry. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took note of the incident and said children should be treated properly. “Teachers will keep a track of the students’ health for three days. Strict action will be taken against those who are negligent, ” Dilawar said.
Company Claims Compliance, Community Demands Accountability
Kota CMHO Dr Narendra Nagar said the children were rushed to the medical college through a green corridor: ‘They had symptoms of gas exposure. ’ District Collector Dr Ravindra Goswami said the Pollution Control Board is investigating and CFCL will have to submit internal and safety audit reports. ‘All students are safe, but action will be taken once the cause is established, ’ he said.
‘Chambal Fertilisers has the highest safety and environmental standards. Modern equipment detects leaks immediately. We co-operate fully with the authorities and provide the best care to affected students. ’ said Vishal Mathur, Assistant Vice President, HR & Admin, Chambal Fertilisers.
Community Outrage and Calls for Preventive Measures
This incident has caused a great deal of anger and concern among parents and the community at large. While the immediate crisis has been contained, accountability and preventative action remain questions that will be answered by the findings of the investigation. The immediate concern now is for the health and wellbeing of the children and the elderly woman and how we prevent this from happening again. Source Rajasthan Patrika
