Engineers at the VCM/PVC (vinyl chloride monomer-polyvinyl chloride) plant at Reliance spotted chlorine leakage after workers on duty complained of eye irritation and breathing problems.

The affected employees were administered primary treatment at the factory’s Industrial Medical Centre (IMC) and were discharged soon after. Sources said around three to four operators had complained of breathing problems.

In a separate incident, sulphur dioxide leakage was reported at the Transpeck factory in Ekalbara village in Padra taluka. It occurred while the chemicals were being transferred into the storage from a tanker brought from Gandhidham.

There was a panic around the village and in the nearby highway, but no untoward incident was reported.

Five persons who complained of irritation in the eyes were treated at the local health centre and discharged soon after.

District authorities sent a team to review both the incidents. District Collector Rajiv Topno said, “We had inquired into both incidents, but they were minor. At the Reliance factory chlorine gas leakage was reported, but it was brought under control. It was limited within the plant.”

He said they had sent the mamlatdar to review the

situation and now there was nothing to worry about.