On May 7, Thursday, a styrene gas leak at a chemical plant, LG Polymers, which is located in Visakhapatnam on India’s east coast led to the deaths of as many as 11 people while several hundred have been hospitalised.
Despite the efforts made by the authorities to repair and cleanse the chemical plant, several locals are frightened and demand the company shut down the unit indefinitely.
According to Andhra Pradesh’s Health Minister, Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas (Nani), “A total of 305 patients are currently undergoing treatment at King George Hospital and 121 at other private hospitals; all of them are stable. About 128 people have recovered and were discharged.”
Another statement has been issued by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Jaganmohan Reddy, to come up with a strategic plan to make Visakhapatnam safe for civilians while keeping it free of grim hazards. The Special Chief Secretary of Environment and Forests, Nirabh Kumar Prasad, and the AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) Member Secretary, Vivek Yadav, are to be part of a high-level inquiry team to examine the cause of the gas leak.
Moreover, the villages have been evacuated so as to ensure that the situation remains under control. The treatment of the civilians who have incurred the brunt of this casualty will be looked after, since the CM has directed the Arogyasri Trust to balance the medical bills of all the patients, including those who have been admitted to private hospitals.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo moto cognizance of the gas leak. An initial amount of ₹50 crores is to be deposited by LG Polymers. “Having regard to the prima facie material regarding the extent of damage to life, public health, and environment, we direct LG Polymers India Pvt. Ltd. to forthwith deposit an initial amount of Rs. 50 crore, with the District Magistrate, Visakhapatnam, which will abide by further orders of this Tribunal. The amount is being fixed having regard to the financial worth of the company and the extent of the damage caused,” said the NGT, as reported by Bar and Bench.
The plant was run by LG Polymers, a company located on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, which is essentially an industrial port hub in the state of Andhra Pradesh.