Nineteen workers, mostly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, fell sick following a chemical gas leak at a Grasim Industries unit in Karwar taluk of Karnataka on Saturday, January 11. People living close to the factory staged a protest, alleging poor safety standards and lapses at the facility.
Fourteen workers, who complained of burning eyes and breathing difficulties, were taken to the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, while five others were treated at the health centre on the factory premises. The gas leak occurred on Saturday afternoon. The plant, which manufactures caustic soda, is located in Binaga, Karwar taluk.
Uttara Kannada District Health Officer Ramesh Rao said that a leak of chlorine gas had caused the workers to fall sick and that their condition was not serious.
Angry locals and workers’ unions staged protests, accusing the company of not doing enough to ensure public safety. They alleged that the company’s siren, which should have warned of danger, had not been sounded. This failure put the public at risk, as schools, colleges, and houses were located close to the plant. Protesters also alleged that the factory had tried to cover up similar instances in the past.
Area residents are also demanding that the plant be closed down until a safety audit is conducted and it is cleared for use. They are also demanding that a case be registered against those responsible for the gas leak.