Giaspura gas leak- Punjab govt announces Rs two lakh aid for kin of deceased, Rs 50k for ill victims & free treatment- Health Minister

Ludhiana, April 30, 2023: The Punjab government have announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each to the kin of those who died due to a gas leak incident in Giaspura locality of the city today. An amount of Rs 50,000 and free treatment would be given for the victims who became critically ill and are undergoing treatment.

Taking stock of the situation in the area and Civil hospital, the Health Minister said that on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, he has reached here to ensure best treatment to the victims admitted to hospital. He said that the government was stamding rock-solid with the families of the deceased and other affected families. He said that four of the persons admitted in civil hospitals, were out of danger. 

The Minister said that exemplary action would be taken against preparators of this tragedy. Later, the Health Minister also visited the affected area in Giaspura.

Meanwhile, MLA Rajinderpal Kaur Chhina said that a total of eleven people died and four others fell ill in the morning reportedly after they inhaled gas. She said that she had immediately rushed here after getting information about the incident and talked with the government. She said that dedicated efforts were being made to ensure best treatment for the victims undergoing treatment in the hospitals. 

After coming to know of this incident, Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik, accompanied by Commissioner of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu, MC Commissioner Dr Shena Aggarwal, senior officials from health department, NDRF, PPCB, MC Ludhiana and others rushed to the spot.

In the air quality sensors used by NDFR team, high levels of Hydrogen Sulphide gas have been detected and it is ascertained that this gas might have led to the tragic incident. The team of MC Ludhiana is also working hard to ensure that there is no further chemical contamination.

DM, ADM and SDM along with municipal corporation and police officials have supervised the entire exercise of rescue, decontamination, cordoning and evacuation and coordinated with NDRF and NDMA for immediate situation control.

DC Surabhi Malik appreciated the role of Health Department in handling today’s situation. She said that the teams of MC, NDRF and PPCB are working in tandem to ensure the safety of residents.

After today’s incident, a magisterial enquiry has been ordered and the Ludhiana Police has registered an FIR against unknown persons to further look into the matter.