Mumbai narrowly averted a potential industrial disaster on the night of July 23, 2025, when an ammonia gas leak was reported at the Mahananda Dairy plant in Goregaon (East). The incident, which occurred around 9:12 PM, triggered a rapid and coordinated response from multiple emergency agencies, successfully containing the highly toxic gas and preventing any casualties.
According to civic officials, the leak originated from a faulty valve in a large 3,000-kilogram ammonia tank, located within a ground-floor refrigeration unit of the sprawling dairy complex. Ammonia, a gas widely used in industrial refrigeration due to its efficiency, is highly pungent and corrosive, posing serious health risks if inhaled in concentrated amounts.
Upon receiving the alert, a multi-agency team comprising the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, the specialized HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) unit, 108 Ambulance services, and civic ward staff was immediately mobilized. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the plant's in-house electrician promptly disconnected the electrical supply as a precautionary measure.
Emergency responders, equipped with 25 breathing apparatus (BA) kits, swiftly worked to isolate the leak. Their initial actions involved shutting off 15 to 16 valves within the system to prevent further escape of the gas. Simultaneously, personnel from the HAZMAT unit, clad in protective chemical suits, approached the source of the leak directly at the faulty valve and used sealant from their specialized vehicles to plug it.
To neutralize the escaping ammonia fumes in the atmosphere, fire officials deployed three high-pressure first aid lines and a small hose line connected to a four-motor pump, spraying water to absorb and disperse the gas. Approximately 15–20 kg of residual ammonia gas, mixed with lubricant oil, was safely transferred to another reservoir tank, further securing the site. The area around the plant was cordoned off to ensure public safety and prevent exposure to the gas.
The swift and professional response of all involved agencies ensured that despite the significant volume of ammonia in the tank, the situation was brought under control without any injuries being reported. This is a testament to the training and preparedness of Mumbai's emergency services in handling hazardous material incidents.
Further investigation into the incident is currently underway to determine the precise cause of the valve failure and to assess any long-term risks associated with the leak. Industrial safety experts will likely review the plant's maintenance protocols and emergency response plans to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident serves as a crucial reminder of the inherent risks associated with industrial operations involving hazardous chemicals and the vital importance of robust safety measures and rapid emergency preparedness.
Related Articles
Leave a Reply