TN gas leak: Odisha CM announces Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for kin of deceased workers
Bhubaneswar, June 22
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday expressed deep grief over the death of Odia workers in the ammonia gas leak incident that occurred at a private seafood processing and export facility in Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu.
The Chief Minister, in a condolence message, expressed grief over the tragic incident.
He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the workers who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured Odia workers. The Chief Minister announced ex gratia assistance of Rs 4 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to the next of kin of every deceased worker.
Meanwhile, the state Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, in a video message, confirmed the death of five Odia workers in the tragic gas leak mishap at Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu on June 21.
"As many as seven persons have lost their lives in the tragic incident that shocked the whole nation, as well as Odisha. Out of those dead, five workers are reported from Keonjhar district in Odisha. Our government, after getting the information, CM Majhi immediately called a meeting in which the Chief Secretary was also present. All efforts are being made to return the bodies of the workers to Odisha," said Singhkhuntia.
It may be noted that the Odisha Government has been in constant touch with the Tamil Nadu administration to facilitate assistance for the affected workers. Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg held discussions with her counterpart in Tamil Nadu to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured Odia workers and the provision of all necessary support and assistance.
Following the directions of the CM Majhi, three senior officers of the Odisha Government reached Tiruvallur and are coordinating with the Tamil Nadu authorities to facilitate medical care for the injured workers and oversee other necessary arrangements.
According to police and official sources, the leak occurred at a private seafood processing and export facility in Kannigaipair village in the Tiruvallur district, where a large number of migrant workers were employed. Many of them reside within the premises.
Around 120 workers, including women from Assam, Odisha, and Jharkhand, were reportedly within the factory premises when the incident took place. Authorities said the suspected ammonia leak originated from the unit's refrigeration or processing system and quickly spread across parts of the facility.
Workers exposed to the gas began experiencing severe breathing difficulties, dizziness, and irritation. Some reportedly suffered bleeding from the mouth and nose, indicating the intensity of the exposure. The leak occurred at a private seafood processing and export facility in Kannigaipair village in the district where a large number of migrant workers were employed. Many of them reside within the premises.
— IANS
Reader Comments
CM Majhi has shown quick response by announcing compensation and sending officers to coordinate. But the real question is—why are safety norms so lax in such factories? Ammonia leaks are preventable with proper maintenance. Our migrant workers are the backbone of many industries, yet they work in unsafe conditions. This tragedy is a wake-up call for stricter safety audits across all states. 🙏
Deeply saddened by this news. Five Odia workers losing their lives in a gas leak—this is a national shame. The government's ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh is fine, but what about the injured workers? They need long-term medical support, not just temporary relief. Also, why are workers made to reside inside factory premises? That's a major red flag. Action needed, not just statements. 😤
This incident reminds me of the Visakhapatnam gas leak in 2020. Migrant workers are always the most vulnerable. The Odisha government's coordination with Tamil Nadu is commendable, but we need preventive measures at the national level. Every state should mandate regular safety inspections for factories employing migrant labor. Otherwise, such tragedies will keep repeating. 😢
Good to see the Odisha CM acting swiftly, but I wonder if the ex gratia will actually reach the families without delays. Bureaucratic hurdles often slow down such relief work. Also, the Labour Minister's video message is fine, but we need a thorough probe into why the safety systems failed. The families deserve justice, not just compensation. 😐
K Kavita S