Nagpur: The chlorine leak at the Godhani water treatment plant (WTP) has left a visible trail of damage inside homes in Phagoji Patil Layout, Sakar Nagar. Residents reported blackened utensils, discoloured door handles, damaged refrigerators and chimneys, and wilted plants.Locals said they were forced to spend around Rs 20,000 each on deep cleaning, besides replacing curtains and other affected household items.“We hired a professional deep-cleaning firm to clean the chlorine-affected rooms of our house,” said resident Jyoti Kharate, adding that her family undertook the exercise because she suffers from a pulmonary condition. Godhani Nagar Panchayat also provided manpower to help residents clean utensils, said Rupali Patil, another resident.The financial burden has continued even after the immediate threat from the gas subsided. Harish Patil said his family incurred around Rs 1.4 lakh in medical expenses following the incident. Residents alleged that some private hospitals continued to raise bills despite collector Kumar Ashirwad directing them not to charge patients for leak-related treatment.The leak left 59 people hospitalised, according to residents, of whom more than 50 have since been discharged; four were still undergoing treatment in ICUs.The incident also affected pets. Harish said his rabbit suffered eye injuries and has been advised surgery by a veterinarian.Residents have demanded compensation for damage to homes and belongings, along with reimbursement of medical expenses. They have also renewed their demand to shift the WTP away from the residential locality.“We will oppose the operation of the WTP in the residential area tooth and nail,” said Kharate, arguing that the incident demonstrated the risks of operating a chlorine-handling facility close to homes.Neighbour Shyam Inamdar said the Nagar Panchayat and MJP should be held accountable for allowing the facility to come up in a residential area. Locals also alleged that construction of the overhead tank was shoddy, with leaking pipelines. “So it is not fully operational,” Inamdar said, demanding an inquiry into the quality of the civic works.The August 23-24 leak occurred when a 900 kg chlorine tank ruptured, sending gas towards the adjoining locality. Though the emergency was contained, residents say its aftermath remains visible in their homes. For families living closest to the plant, the blackened utensils, damaged fittings and wilted plants have become reminders of what they describe as a preventable disaster.
