Chennai, June 23: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the ammonia gas leak incident in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. On Tuesday, the commission issued notices to Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar and Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Agrawal, requesting a detailed report within two weeks.
Based on media reports, the NHRC noted that nine people have died due to this incident, raising serious concerns regarding human rights and workplace safety.
The commission has requested comprehensive information from the state government. This includes details about the actions taken by the administration in response to the gas leak and the current status of the affected workers.
Additionally, the NHRC has sought information regarding the compensation and relief announced by the Tamil Nadu government for the families of the deceased.
Authorities have also been instructed to provide updates on the distribution of relief funds and the medical facilities being offered to those affected by the toxic gas.
Reports indicate that the gas leak occurred at a private seafood processing and export unit in Thiruvallur district, where a large number of workers, mostly women, were employed.
It has been reported that the workers were resting in a room near the factory premises when ammonia gas leaked from the unit, exposing them to toxic fumes.
Following the incident, a large-scale rescue and relief operation was launched. Affected workers were admitted to various hospitals in Chennai and Thiruvallur. Over 70 workers were hospitalized for treatment and medical observation due to breathing difficulties and other health issues related to ammonia gas exposure.
The deceased and affected individuals were migrant workers employed at the seafood processing unit. This incident has heightened concerns regarding industrial safety and the management of hazardous chemicals in workplaces.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered a formal investigation into the incident and has constituted a three-member committee to examine the causes of the ammonia gas leak.
The committee has been tasked with identifying potential negligence, determining accountability, and suggesting measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The NHRC stated that it will study the report from the state government upon receipt and decide on further action.
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