Nangal: A chlorine gas leak at a chemical manufacturing facility in Punjab’s Nangal town created panic among residents on Monday morning after a sharp chemical odour spread through nearby residential colonies and surrounding villages, prompting concerns about public safety.
People living close to the Primo Chemicals plant said the pungent smell was noticeable for several hours, leading many to contact local authorities to seek clarity on the source of the odour and any potential health risks. The uncertainty triggered anxiety among families as they awaited an official response.
Vijay Kapila, a resident of Modern Avenue Colony located near the industrial unit, said the smell entered homes during the morning. According to him, local residents later learnt that the odour was linked to a chlorine gas leak at the factory. He urged the authorities to issue timely information so that residents could understand whether it was safe to remain in the area.
Concern was also reported from villages located around the plant, including Benewal village in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh. Bobby Singh, a resident of the village, said news of the suspected chlorine leak spread quickly, creating fear among villagers who were worried about its possible impact.
The management of Primo Chemicals confirmed that a chlorine leak had occurred within the premises but maintained that the situation was brought under control without delay. Company spokesperson and Deputy General Manager Bhagwati Prasad said the leak originated from a pinhole in a chlorine pipeline and was contained immediately.
“There was a chlorine leak inside the unit, but it has been controlled. There is no danger to the life or safety of nearby residents,” Prasad said, adding that the incident remained confined to the plant.
The latest episode has once again drawn attention to safety concerns among communities living near the industrial complex. Residents have previously alleged that emissions and occasional leakages from the plant have affected agricultural land and polluted groundwater in nearby villages.
However, the Punjab Pollution Control Board has, in earlier inquiries, stated that its investigations did not establish evidence supporting claims of crop damage or groundwater contamination linked to the factory.
Monday’s incident has renewed calls for stronger industrial safety measures and faster public communication during emergencies. Residents said immediate updates from both the company and district administration are essential to prevent confusion and ensure public confidence whenever such incidents occur.
