Date:30/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/05/30/stories/2008053052262300.htm

Back ‘Local factories using chlorine cylinders for water treatment to submit reports’

Manish Basu

Jamshedpur, May 29 All the local factories currently using chlorine cylinders for water treatment will be required to submit detailed reports to the district administration on the present condition and maintenance system of their facilities, the Collector of East Singbhum District, Mr Ravindra Agarwal, said here on Thursday.

The district administration would also be meeting the Jamshedpur Red Cross Society and the disaster management team within two days to review the situation arising out of the gas leak in the local Tata Motors plant on Tuesday, Mr Agarwal said pointing out that investigation would be conducted in three phases by the Labour Commissioner, Factory Inspector and the police.

Tata gas leak

Meanwhile, Mr B.K. Sarkar, plant in-charge, and Mr S.A. Ghatak, safety in-charge of the Tata Motors water treatment plant, were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the leak, after which more than 180 people fell ill. No casualty was reported.

Mr P.J. Singh, the spokesman of Tata Motors, said, “The leak was successfully plugged the same night. Tata Motors kept the local administration informed, and received full support and help from the authorities.”

The Jharkhand Chief Minister, Mr Madhu Koda, visited the affected area on Wednesday and promised appropriate action against those to be found guilty.