In an unforeseen tragedy earlier today, the town of Prem Nagar in Dehradun faced a crisis due to a chlorine gas leak, believed to have originated from a cylinder in the Jhanjra area. The Prem Nagar police station is currently investigating the incident. Immediate action was crucial as residents in the vicinity reported difficulty breathing.
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Swift Response to the Crisis
Emergency personnel, including the police, fire department, state disaster response force (SDRF), and national disaster response force (NDRF), promptly responded to the situation. As a precautionary measure, affected individuals were quickly relocated to safer areas. Dehradun’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ajay Singh, assured cooperation among all parties involved to ensure the safe disposal of the chlorine.
Government Agencies Working to Address the Crisis
Authorities are actively engaged in containing the situation and safeguarding public welfare. Specialized Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) teams from the SDRF are leading rescue and relief operations. Troops equipped with CBRN kits, detectors, and advanced rescue gear confirmed the hazardous discharge from two of the six large cylinders stored in an open field near Jhajhra, dangerously close to a housing complex.
Health Risks Associated with Chlorine Gas Exposure
Exposure to chlorine gas can lead to various adverse health effects, including lightheadedness, burning eyes and cheeks, difficulty breathing, nausea, and migraines. The affected area has been designated as a no-go zone until the threat is fully mitigated, and authorities are diligently working to protect the community.
Challenges and Prevention Efforts
Local MLA Sahdev Singh Pundir highlighted the abandonment of seven chlorine cylinders on undeveloped property for an extended period. He commended the combined efforts of authorities in averting a potential catastrophe during the leakage. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
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Previous Incidents and Community Impact
This incident echoes the 2017 chlorine gas leak at the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan water treatment plant, which resulted in over fifteen people seeking emergency medical attention. The community in Dehradun is currently facing respiratory issues following the chlorine cylinder leak. Responding agencies, including local fire departments, NDRF, and SDRF, are collaborating to ensure the safe disposal of the cylinder and the well-being of the affected residents.