Chlorine gas leak at Nagpur water plant: 200-metre radius sealed, several hospitalised
A chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant in Nagpur in the early hours of Monday (August 24, 2026) sent several people to hospitals and triggered a large-scale evacuation in the surrounding area. The leak was reported at around 1 a.m. at the facility in Godhani village, which is operated by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, according to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).
The source of the leak was a 900-kg capacity chlorine gas cylinder used in the water purification process. Chlorine gas rapidly spread from the plant to nearby residential localities, exposing residents to the pungent chemical. Several people reported coughing, a burning sensation in the throat, and difficulty breathing. Some residents fled their homes in panic, while others were advised by police and civic workers to move to safer locations.
The NMC said it received an alert shortly after the leak began. Fire brigade teams were rushed to the spot with two water tenders and breathing apparatus. Personnel from Orange City Water Pvt Ltd (OCW), the private firm that supplies drinking water in Nagpur, also reached the site to assist. A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was additionally called in to handle the hazardous situation.
Police immediately cordoned off a 200-metre radius around the plant and evacuated residents to safe locations. An official at Mankapur police station said, "Many people went to hospitals on their own, while many others were hospitalised by the police." The official added that emergency personnel ensured that no one was left behind in the danger zone.
After several hours of effort, the leak was plugged at around 5.30 a.m. The damaged cylinder was then carefully transferred to a tank containing a mixture of water and caustic soda, a standard method to neutralise toxic chlorine vapour. The NMC said the operation was completed without any further incident.
Those affected were taken to government and private hospitals in the area. The NMC has not yet released the exact number of hospitalisations. However, officials said all patients are stable and receiving the required medical care. The civic body also appealed to the public not to believe or spread rumours about the incident, which could create unnecessary panic.
Chlorine gas is widely used for disinfecting drinking water, but it can pose serious health risks when released into the air. Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. In high concentrations, inhalation can lead to severe breathing difficulties and even pulmonary oedema, a condition that requires immediate medical intervention. Emergency workers were equipped with protective gear to handle the gas, and residents were warned to avoid the affected area until the situation was cleared.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the leak, including possible equipment failure or human error. Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, which manages the water treatment infrastructure, has said it will conduct a thorough review. The NMC has also assured that the plant will not resume operations until safety checks are completed.
