PTI
 
Chennai, Dec 5: The State Pollution Control Board closed several chemical industries at Manali in North Chennai after a strong stench of gas engulfed the city, causing panic among people in several areas of the metropolis.

Media offices were flooded with calls from anxious residents, seeking to find out the cause of the smell, which hung in the air for several hours after the leak was reported from the Chennai Petro Chemicals Limited (CPCL) factory at Manali late Tuesday.

People complained of breathing problems and eye irritation as well as nausea as the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), as a precautionary measure, ordered closure of the chemical units in North Chennai. The gas stench spread to central Chennai on Wednesday.

N Sundaradevan, chairman of the TNPCB said in a statement that the gas was not poisonous and that there was no need for anyone to panic. The pungent smell was due to the presence of hydrocarbons and volatile compounds in the gas, he said.

He said it was normal practice for CPCL to release some quantities of petroleum gas during maintenance. The factory had been asked to take necessary steps to stop leakage of gas, he said.

The gas emanated while the machinery at the plant was being cleaned.

The TNPCB said some amount of gas had been absorbed by the rain last night and the remaining gas was likely to last for a few hours in the atmosphere.