Ammonia gas will be vented in a controlled manner on Friday and Saturday from a shrimp processing unit at Kannigaiper in Thiruvallur district, where a leak earlier led to multiple casualties, Collector Kavitha said.
The leak occurred on June 21 at the private factory. A total of 83 workers—mostly from Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand and West Bengal—were affected and admitted to government and private hospitals. Officials said 17 people have died so far, while 48 continue to receive treatment.
The Collector said the remaining ammonia will be removed by technical experts using safety protocols. A 500-metre radius around the factory has been declared a prohibited zone.
By 6 pm on Thursday, people in nearby private factories, shops, schools and other residences within 300 metres of the unit will be evacuated to safer locations. On the days of venting, traffic on the National Highway through the restricted stretch will be diverted via alternate routes.
A control room has been set up at the Kannigaiper Revenue Inspector office. For emergency assistance, the public can contact 99525 90412.
