The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports on the gas leak accident in Vizag district of Andhra Pradesh in which 11 persons have died while over five thousand others are reported to have fallen sick due to leakage of styrene gas.
The leakage of the gas that occurred early morning today has reportedly affected people within a radius of about 3 kilometers. Many people were seen lying on roads while some complained about breathlessness and rashes on their bodies.
Though the Commission has observed that there were no prima-facie reports regarding human error or negligence till now, the fact that so far at least 8 innocent citizens had lost their lives and thousands were sick is indeed a serious issue of violation of human rights. Right to life of the victims had been grossly violated. At a time when everybody’s life is at stake due to spread of Covid-19 virus and everyone is forced to stay indoors, the gruesome tragedy has come as bolt from the blue for the people.
See the Press Briefing by NDMA, NDRF and AIIMS on gas leak incident in Vishakhapatnam
Accordingly, the Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh to submit a detailed report in the matter including status of the rescue operation, medical treatment provided to the sick and relief and rehabilitation provided authorities to the affected families by the state authorities.
A notice has also been issued to the Director General of Police, Andhra Pradesh to inform about registration of FIRs and status of the investigation being conducted in the matter within four weeks
The Commission has also brought the matter to the notice of the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs and has asked its Secretary to examine whether the norms laid down under relevant provisions of the law are being implemented at the particular industrial unit and further submit a report to the Commission.
Responses from all these authorities are expected within four weeks.
As per early media reports, the incident has occurred at a chemical plant at LG Polymers Industry at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota area of the district around 3.00 AM on 7th May,2020. The unit manufactures polystyrene and its co-polymers. An evacuation drive has reportedly been started by the police authorities and the District Collector is monitoring the situation. The NDRF and SDRF teams have also been deployed in the areas as per the reports.
As per early media reports, the incident has occurred at a chemical plant at LG Polymers Industry at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota area of the district around 3.00 AM on 7th May,2020. The unit manufactures polystyrene and its co-polymers. An evacuation drive has reportedly been started by the police authorities and the District Collector is monitoring the situation. The NDRF and SDRF teams have also been deployed in the areas as per the reports.
