Gujarat Government Initiates Inquiry into Tragic Gas Leakage Incident at Neelam Industries

Surat : The Forest and Environment department of the Gujarat Government has directed the member secretary of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) to launch an inquiry into the heart-wrenching incident that claimed the lives of four workers due to a gas leakage at Neelam Industries in the serene Mota Borsara village of Mangrol taluka, Surat district.

On August 2, 2023 a catastrophic event unfolded at Neelam Industries, situated within the Kim GIDC area of Mangrol taluka, leading to the tragic deaths of four workers who inadvertently inhaled toxic gas while opening drums containing hazardous chemicals. This incident has not only devastated the families of the victims but has also raised serious concerns about workplace safety and the handling of dangerous substances.

The calamitous disaster occurred as workers attempted to unseal drums containing chemicals. The noxious fumes swiftly overwhelmed them, resulting in the untimely demise of all four individuals. The victims were identified as Imtiyas Abdul Shaikh (45), Amin Patel, Arun Umar (both aged 22), and Raghaji Umar (54). This heartbreaking tragedy has deeply affected multiple communities, as the victims hailed from Ankleshwar, Kapodra, and Rajasthan.

The incident came to public attention after Darshan Naik, a social activist, brought the matter to light. Naik’s advocacy prompted the director of the Forest and Environment department to take immediate action and launch an investigation.

Darshan Naik emphasized the questions surrounding workplace safety protocols and the handling of hazardous materials. He stated, “The incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures and training to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future. The loss of these lives serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding workers’ lives and prioritizing their well-being in all industrial settings.”