NHRC issues notice, seeks detailed report on ammonia leak in TN's Tiruvallur
Chennai, June 23
The National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday took suo motu cognisance of the deadly ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing unit in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district and issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar and Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, seeking a detailed report on the incident within two weeks.
Acting on media reports about the industrial accident, the commission said that the tragedy, which has so far claimed nine lives, raises serious concerns relating to human rights and workplace safety.
The NHRC has asked the state government to provide a comprehensive account of the incident, including the circumstances leading to the leak, the action taken by authorities and the present condition of the affected industrial workers.
The commission has also sought details regarding the compensation and relief announced by the Tamil Nadu government for the families of the deceased industrial workers.
It directed the authorities to furnish information on the disbursement of the relief amount as well as the medical treatment being provided to those who were exposed to the toxic gas.
According to reports, the leak occurred at a private seafood processing and export facility in the Tiruvallur district, where a large number of workers, predominantly women, were employed.
The workers were reportedly resting in a room near the factory premises when ammonia gas leaked from the unit, exposing them to toxic fumes.
The incident triggered a major emergency response, with affected workers rushed to hospitals across Chennai and Tiruvallur.
More than 70 workers were admitted for treatment and medical observation following complaints of breathing difficulties and other symptoms associated with ammonia inhalation.
The victims are reported to be migrant workers employed at the seafood processing facility.
The tragedy has intensified concerns over industrial safety practices and the handling of hazardous chemicals in workplaces.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered a formal inquiry into the accident and constituted a three-member committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the ammonia gas leak.
The panel has been tasked with identifying possible lapses, fixing responsibility and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NHRC said it would examine the report submitted by the state authorities before deciding on any further action.
The commission's intervention comes amid growing demands for stricter enforcement of workplace safety norms and greater protection for industrial workers handling hazardous substances.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's heartbreaking that something like this happened in 2024. Proper safety protocols for handling hazardous chemicals are not that expensive. The government should ensure all factories have proper ventilation and emergency plans. My thoughts are with the families of the victims.
Yet another industrial accident where workers pay the price. The inquiry must look at who approved the safety audits, if any were done. Also, compensation of just a few lakhs is not enough—these families have lost their breadwinners. We need to create a culture of "safety first" in our industrial zones.
It's shocking how such incidents keep happening despite so many regulations. Ammonia leaks are preventable with simple maintenance. The NHRC should also look into the living conditions of these migrant workers, who had to rest near the factory—that itself shows a lack of basic facilities. 😞
Very sad news. The fact that most workers were women and migrant workers makes it even more concerning. They often work in unsafe conditions with little awareness of their rights. The Tamil Nadu government must ensure proper medical follow-up for the survivors, as ammonia exposure can have long-term effects.
The NHRC notice is a step in the right direction, but we have seen these inquiries before and nothing changes. The factory owner should be held criminally liable. Also, why are such hazardous industries set up near residential areas? The planning department needs to answer this.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.