Chlorine Leak in Sakar Nagar Leaves Residents in Crisis, Demands for Compensation Rise A chlorine leak at the Godhani water treatment plant (WTP) in Sakar Nagar, Nagpur, has caused widespread damage to homes, prompting residents to seek compensation and demanding the relocation of the facility. The incident, which occurred on August 23-24, resulted in a ruptured 900 kg chlorine tank sending toxic gas into the surrounding residential area. While emergency measures contained the immediate threat, the aftermath has left families grappling with extensive property damage, medical expenses, and lingering health concerns. Residents of Phagoji Patil Layout reported that their homes were left with blackened utensils, discolored door handles, damaged refrigerators and chimneys, and wilted plants. The contamination forced many to spend upwards of Rs 20,000 on professional deep-cleaning services. Jyoti Kharate, a resident with a pulmonary condition, said her family hired a firm to clean their home, emphasizing the health risks posed by the chlorine residue. The Godhani Nagar Panchayat provided temporary assistance, but the financial burden on families has persisted even after the gas threat subsided. Harish Patil, another affected resident, revealed his family incurred Rs 1.4 lakh in medical expenses following the incident. Residents allege that some private hospitals continued to charge patients for treatments related to the leak, despite collector Kumar Ashirwad’s directive to halt such charges. The incident hospitalized 59 people, with over 50 discharged and four still receiving ICU care. Pets were also impacted; Harish’s rabbit suffered eye injuries and requires surgery, according to a veterinarian.#nagpur #chlorine_leak #godhani_water_treatment_plant #sakar_nagar #phagoji_patil_layout
