The tragedy of Vishakapatnam on Thursday has claimed over 8 people including a child and many others have been hospitalized after a major gas leak in the city. The gas leak was reported from a polymer plant in the early morning of Thursday.
The gas reportedly has infected villages in and around the five-kilometer radius of the LG Polymer plant. The company, LG Polymer plant is yet to issue a statement about the incident.
Things to Know about LG Polymer Plant
Here are the five things to know about the LG Polymer plant.
- LG Polymers was established in the year 1961 in Vishakapatnam in the name of Hindustan Polymers. The plant was established to manufacture Polystyrene.
- In the year 1978, Hindustan Polymers went on to merge with McDowell and Co which is a subsidiary of the United Breweries Group that was formerly owned by business tycoon Vijay Mallya.
- Around July 1997, LG Chemicals identified Hindustan Polymers as a suitable company to enter the Indian market. Later, LG Chemicals acquired 100 percent stakes in Hindustan Polymers. Hence, Hindustan Polymers were renamed as LG Polymers India Private Limited.
- Incidentally, LG Polymers was not functioning during the lockdown phase of COVID-19. According to the New Indian Express report, most pharma and units related to it were given permission to operate as they fall under the list of the essential services. NOCs reportedly issued to 115 out of the 140 large industries. Only 20 industries including LG Polymers are yet to resume operation.
- Post the major leak, people in the area and across the country have asked for its shut down due to its negligence.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy held a high-level meeting to review the situation and to take control of it. A probe is ordered into the matter, state DGP Gautam Sawang said. As per the reports coming in, over 246 people have been admitted to King George Hospital because of health complications. 20 of them are on a ventilator. Over 800 people have been evacuated from the RR Venkatapuram following the gas tragedy. The DGP further said,
“How the gas leaked and why the neutralizer at the plant did not prove effective in containing the leak will all be investigated. Styrene, though, is not a poisonous gas and can be fatal only if inhaled in excess quantity.”
Source: Free Press Journal
