Nagpur: More than 50 days after a chlorine leak at the Godhani water treatment plant led to the hospitalisation of over 50 people, Mankapur police have registered a case of negligence against the contractor and the chlorine tonner supplier. Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) officials lodged the complaint on the district collector’s directions.The charges relate to negligent handling of a poisonous substance (chlorine gas), acts endangering lives and causing hurt, and public nuisance following a leak from a standby 900kg chlorine tonner around midnight on August 24.District collector Kumar Ashirwad had ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed MJP officials to initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible.The contractor was responsible for maintaining the tonners and the plant, as well as ensuring adequate safety measures.Mankapur police station senior inspector Haresh Kalsekar said prima facie negligence had led to the leak. “Even after the leak took place, there were no proper arrangements at the site to prevent the gas from creating havoc or to control the damage,” he said.The probe revealed missing gas sensors and alarms, the absence of a proper neutralisation system, inadequate protective equipment, no clear emergency plan, and the tonner being kept in the open.“Some MJP officials may also come under the scanner. We will summon the accused and the concerned persons for questioning, and aim to file a strong chargesheet at the earliest,” Kalsekar said.
