Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 15, 2007
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Online edition of India's National Newspaper Saturday, Dec 15, 2007 ePaper |
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Tamil Nadu
The hazards of living close to industrial units handling hazardous substances were taken note of, writes L. Srikrishna The acrid-smelling gas leak incident last week, which led residents of many localities in the city to complain of irritation in eyes and breathing difficulties, has turned the spotlight on the significance of mechanisms advising people on what to do under such circumstances to prevent panic that usually accompanies such incidents. Though nothing untoward happened out of the leak allegedly from a refinery in Manali, where several units handling hazardous chemicals are located, educational institutions in localities as far as Mandaveli and Vepery, Anna Nagar, Madhavaram and Tiruvottiyur had to declare a one-day holiday under pressure from parents. Commissioner of Police G. Nanchil Kumaran told reporters that preliminary investigations pointed to an alleged carbon emission. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board authorities inspected the refinery and announced that there was nothing to panic about and the reported leak would be investigated by technical experts. Officials of the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited’s refinery said the facility was not being operated on account of an annual maintenance shutdown. Even the cleaning activity was suspended following the suspected leak. While the panic died down and discomfort level declined within a few hours, the incident made people take notice of the hazards of living close to industrial units handling hazardous substances. Speaking to The Hindu, CPCL Director (Operations) K. Balachandran said that the unit had its own disaster management plan. To ensure that the systems are in place in times of need, mock drills are conducted at regular intervals. The personnel at the unit are also informed of their role required of them during emergencies, he said. For handling onsite emergencies such as natural calamities or emission of gas within the refinery, there are trained personnel within the organisation, he said. The crisis control group comprising various agencies, headed by the Tiruvallur District Collector, would handle offsite emergencies. In times of disasters at any unit in Manali or when some major accidents happen, the group will act at different levels. It may be a fire-fighting or shutting down of a plant. In the presence of the authorities, including those from the Inspectorate of Factories, the situation would be tackled, Mr. Balachandran said. On the mock drills, he said every year the exercise was carried out in a comprehensive manner. The Collector is informed and as part of the drill, the people are evacuated to safer places. Sources in the Fire and Rescue Services Department said their role was limited to bringing fire, if any, under control, and ensuring safety of the people.
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