Nagpur: As several people affected by the chlorine leak at a water treatment plant (WTP) in Godhani remain under treatment, uncertainty over who will pay their hospital bills has emerged as a fresh concern for their families, who are seeking a clear assurance from the administration rather than verbal promises.With some patients developing delayed symptoms, residents said the uncertainty over finances was compounding the distress caused by the gas leak. Affected families have urged the govt to immediately clarify whether the medical expenses will be fully reimbursed and which agency will be responsible for settling the bills.One resident, whose family members were affected by the leak, said his father developed symptoms soon after exposure and was immediately taken to hospital, while his wife had to be admitted on Monday night after developing health complications hours later.“Some residents developed symptoms immediately after the leak at the water treatment plant, while others began experiencing problems only a day or two later. This has heightened anxiety among families, as they remain unsure how long the treatment will continue and who will ultimately bear the expenses,” another resident said.Other affected families echoed similar concerns. They said they had spoken to officials and administration representatives after learning that some patients had no one to support them financially. “There are patients who cannot afford treatment. We need clarity on who will pay their hospital bills,” they said.According to residents, district collector Kumar Ashirwad, during his visit to the water treatment plant site on Monday, announced that the district administration would bear the treatment expenses. However, affected families said no formal written assurance had been issued in this regard. TOI attempted to contact collector Ashirwad, who declined to comment.Ramtek sub-divisional officer (SDO) Vandana Virani said all affected persons were out of danger, though some remained under medical observation. The administration, however, remained non-committal when asked who would reimburse the medical expenses and how this would be done.Residents are now demanding a clear mechanism to ensure that all treatment-related expenses arising from the chlorine exposure are settled, particularly for economically vulnerable patients and those who may require prolonged hospitalisation.The leak at the 6 MLD water treatment plant, being developed by the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, led to the hospitalisation of at least 56 people, including four minors.
