TIRUNELVELI: Farm workers and residents of Anainthanadarpatti demanded action against Malanadu Ammonia Private Limited, alleging that ammonia gas leaks frequently during the refilling of the tank. Farm workers and staff of a nearby private school reported experiencing a major gas leak on Saturday, leading to various health issues.
Speaking to TNIE, V Pandi, a farmer from Anainthanadarpatti, said, “The workers on my farm and myself experienced eye irritation, throat congestion, and vomiting while working on Saturday morning due to the gas leak. My farm is located about 500 metres away from Malanadu Ammonia Private Limited. We often notice a gas leak from the company, but it was intense on that day. The workers nearly fainted. As I rushed towards the company to report the leak, a truck driver from the plant informed me that the gas had overflowed while staff were filling the tank."
R Kanaka, a farm worker and Idaikal panchayat ward member, told TNIE that she feared for her life. "I would have lost my life if the intensity of the gas had not reduced," she added.
A private higher secondary school, located just 100 metres away from the plant, has also frequently been affected by the leaks. Mariappan, a van driver at the school recalled, "I was at the bus stop when the gas leak occurred on Saturday. I could not breathe."
Another staff member expressed concerns that if such a leak occurred during school hours, it would lead to a major tragedy, especially for young children.
Residents of Anainthanadarpatti also reported being affected by the gas leak. TNIE had previously reported an ammonia leak from this plant in March, which was brought to the attention of Cheranmahadevi Sub-Collector Arpit Jain.
On Saturday, Idaikal panchayat vice-president S Dharmaraj informed this reporter, who alerted District Collector Dr KP Karthikeyan and officials were sent to investigate.
Manager of the company acknowledges leakage
When TNIE contacted Joseph Arokia, the manager of Malanadu Ammonia Private Limited, he acknowledged the incident. "The liquid ammonia being transported from SPIC overflowed and leaked from the hose while it was being loaded in the tank. Usually, the leak spreads within our premises, but the wind may have carried it to the nearby farm. The ammonia's intensity quickly dilutes in the atmosphere. We will ensure no such leaks occur in the future."
Officials did not meet affected people
Assistant Director of Industrial Safety Ganesan and Ambasamudram Tahsildar Sabari Mallika contradicted the claims. "I inspected the entire system, pressure limits, and safety sensors in the company but found no leakage," he said. When asked if he had spoken to the farm workers, school staff, or residents, he replied in the negative. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board officials also visited the plant on Saturday. Collector Karthikeyan said the officials had inspected the company and would submit a detailed report on Monday. "Further action will be taken based on the report, in accordance with the law," he said.