Dhanbad: The problem of toxic gas leakage in the Kenduadih area of Dhanbad surfaced once again after a woman fell unconscious due to inhaling poisonous gas on Saturday. The incident raised concerns among residents who faced the issue for several months.Priya Devi, a resident of Naya Dhaura under BCCL PB Area in Kenduadih, suddenly collapsed after allegedly inhaling toxic gas in the locality. Family members and locals immediately rushed her to the nearby Kustaur regional hospital for treatment. According to doctors, she experienced severe breathing difficulty when brought to the hospital. Dr Shashi Kumar Ravi, who treated the patient, said that Priya Devi complained of breathing problems when she arrived at the hospital. During the medical examination, her oxygen level was found to be low. She was immediately placed on an oxygen support system, following which her condition improved. The doctor confirmed that she is now out of danger.Priya Devi’s husband, Vijay Paswan, alleged that continuous gas leakage in the area caused serious health problems for residents. He said many people faced breathing difficulties, especially those who stayed for longer periods in the gas-affected zones. He added that his wife also fell ill after being exposed to the gas.This was not the first such incident reported from Kenduadih. For the past five months, several localities in the area were affected by toxic gas leakage. In Rajput Basti, multiple residents reportedly fell ill and lost consciousness in Dec and Jan due to the same issue. Following public protests earlier, the BCCL management and district administration initiated relief measures. Nitrogen was injected underground in the gas-affected zones to neutralise the toxic gases caused by underground fire. Officials claimed that the nitrogen infusion would stop the gas leakage.However, residents claim that the measure had little impact, as toxic gas leakage continues to affect several areas of Kenduadih even now.
