Ludhiana gas leak: PM announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for kin of dead, Rs 50,000 for injured

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the Ludhiana gas leak disaster from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF) on Monday. Prime Minister Modi expressed his sorrow at the occurrence in a tweet issued on the PMO’s official page.

“Expressing grief over the tragic incident due to gas leakage in Ludhiana, the Prime Minister @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs 2 lakh through PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased. 50,000 will be given to each injured person,” tweeted the PMO.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) said on Monday that the release of hydrogen sulphide gas was a “possible reason” for the deaths in the Ludhiana gas leak case.

“This accident happened due to the leak of hydrogen sulphide gas. However, as how the gas was formed remains a subject of investigation. The level of gas in the air is being continuously checked since last night. The level has declined,” NDRF’s Assistant Commandant DL Jakhar said.

According to them, the local government, the NDRF, and the municipal corporation are constantly monitoring the level of gas in the air. Swati Tiwana, SDM, Ludhiana, who was also present on the scene, stated that the level of gas in the air was being regularly monitored.

“Apart from this, factories are also being inspected by the Punjab Pollution Control Board. We are also examining the CCTV footage for leads on the leak,” Tiwana said.

She stated that five of the 11 people killed in the gas spill were members of a family. The death toll from the gas leakage event in Giaspura, Ludhiana district, on Sunday has increased to 11.

“A total of 11 persons are dead. Among the deceased are 5 women and 6 men, 2 children aged 10 and 13 years,” the official said on Monday. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his deep sorrow over at the gas leak incident and assured all possible help to those affected.

“The incident of a gas leak in the factory in the Giaspura area of Ludhiana is very sad. Police, government and NDRF teams are present at the spot. All possible help is being extended to the affected. Rest details soon,” Punjab CM Mann tweeted.