Nagpur: A chlorine gas leak at the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran-run water treatment plant in Godhani created panic among residents in the surrounding areas during the early hours of Monday.

The incident occurred at around 1 am on August 24, when chlorine started leaking from a 900-kg-capacity chlorine gas cylinder at the water treatment plant operated by the Godhani Municipal Council.

As the gas spread into nearby residential areas, several residents complained of coughing and breathing difficulties. Following the leak, police advised people living in the surrounding settlements to move to safer locations as a precautionary measure.

Some residents affected by the gas were taken to Sparsh Hospital in Zingabai Takli and Mayo Hospital for medical treatment.

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s fire department rushed to the spot with two water tenders and breathing apparatus to control the situation. OCW personnel were also deployed, while an NDRF team was called in to assist with the operation.

At around 5.30 am, after the intensity of the chlorine leak reduced, the leaking cylinder was handled with the assistance of NDRF personnel, fire department officials and OCW staff. The cylinder was subsequently placed in a water tank containing a caustic soda solution as part of the containment operation.

The authorities continued precautionary measures in the area following the incident to ensure the safety of nearby residents.