Mumbaikars report pungent smell from suspected gas leak, BMC says checking source
Several residents in Mumbai complained of suspected gas leak from Ghatkopar, Powai, Vikhroli, Chembur areas, late on Saturday. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) was trying to detect the source by investigating the same.
Mumbaikars on Saturday night and early Sunday morning complained of the foul pungent smell emanating in several areas of the city. Residents from Ghatkopar, Powai, Vikhroli, Chembur and other areas complained of the smell that probably came out from a gas leak. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) immediately took note of the complaint and assured that team of experts were looking into the exact cause.
"Situation is under control. All necessary resources have been mobilised. Origin of the smell is being investigated. 17 fire appliances are on field equipped with public announcement system and ready for response if required," the BMC tweeted. "All concerned agencies have been mobilised to check the source of the foul smell being complained of by several residents in the areas of Chembur, Ghatkopar, Kanjurmarg, Vikhroli & Powai," the corporation added.
Preliminary information by BMC’s disaster management cell suggested the gas leakage was reported at US Vitamin company in Govandi (East) at 9:53 PM on Saturday.
However, US Vitamin said that its Govandi facility was not the source of the foul smell.
“We wish to clarify that no foul smell emanated from our Govandi facility, as reported by certain sections of the media. The facility was fully checked by our Safety team last night. Request members of the media to refrain from linking our name to this episode. The company adheres to and is compliant to high safety standards at all our facilities,” said the company in a statement.
Shiv Sena minister Aaditya Thackeray, whose party controls the BMC, tweeted last night, "Situation is under control. I urge all not to panic. All possible and necessary resources are mobilised. "With regards to the foul odour across some parts of Mumbai, as of now the Mumbai Fire Brigade has been activated with its SoPs. I appeal to all to stay indoors, not panic. Close your windows," Aaditya Thackeray added.
“Please don’t panic or create panic, appeals BMC. It adds, 13 fire appliances to monitor situation have been activated as a precaution. Anyone having problems due to the foul smell please put a wet towel or cloth on ur face covering nose”, BMC said in a tweet.
What was the source of the pungent smell in Mumbai?
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) was trying to detect the source by investigating the same. Several theories of a gas leak are floating. But the BMC has said a team of experts were probing the incidents.
Earlier, a similar gas leak incident took place in the Chembur area in September 2019, however, the source of gas leak was detected.
The BMC’s disaster management department had got around 37 complaints from over 15 locations, followed by over 50 complaints by MFB and few complaints by the Mumbai Police.
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