At least 15 students of a government school fell sick at Gadepan village in Rajasthan’s Kota district on Saturday after ammonia gas leaked from a plant of Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (CFCL) situated nearby. However, CFCL has refuted the claims of a gas leak. The incident occurred during prayer time in school around 10:15 am. The children standing in the line inhaled the fumes of the supposed chemical gas leak. Following this, CFCL officials were called to confirm the gas leak, police said.
Students were rushed to medical emergency room
Some students complained of dizziness, itching in the eyes and trouble breathing, Surendra Nagar, school teacher, said. Around six girls complained of dizziness and were rushed to a medical emergency room in CFCL, DSP Rajesh Dhaka said. Later, 12 students also complained of dizziness and trouble breathing and were rushed to a hospital in Kota where they are currently undergoing treatment. Upon receiving information, Kota Collector Dr Ravindra Goswami reached the spot and spoke to the school authorities. He also directed the local authorities to ensure adequate care and treatment for the children affected by the alleged gas leak.
Speaking to the reporters, Dr Goswami said, “At least six students with mild complications have been referred to J.K. Lone Hospital in Kota for treatment. While three to four students are under medical observation. All students are out of danger and stable.” He said that he has ordered an inquiry into the matter and has also directed the pollution control board to submit a report.
CFCL refuted claims
Meanwhile, the CFCL management has refuted any incident of gas leakage from their factory. Plant head, Ajay Tayal, said, “There was no chemical gas release or leakage from our plant in the morning. The incident that happened in the nearby school was not because of CFCL. What the students were exposed to is a matter of investigation.”
(With inputs from agencies)
