'Gas Leak' In Mumbai's Suburbs Creates Panic; Locals Unhappy With MGL's Response

On being asked about the breach in the pipeline system, MGL said, "So far we have not come across any breach in our pipeline system which could result in leakage of gas."

Representational PIC/AFP.

Mumbai: Rumours of gas leak had sparked in the city's western and eastern suburbs on the intervening night of Thursday & Friday after several resident reported an unknown odour emanating in their vicinity to the Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). A total of 29 complaints were received by the 1916 control room regarding an unknown odour, which has considerably reduced now. Reportedly, the odour started emerging after 10 pm from places like Chembur, Mankhurd, Govandi, Chandivali, Powai, Ghatkopar and Andheri. After taking the cognisance of the complaints, the natural gas distribution company MGL said that emergency teams have spread out to sites from where complaints have been received. "Apart from the nine fire engines, four emergency vans of MGL have been mobilised. If you still notice the odour please dial 1916 gas leak," the MGL said. On being asked about the breach in the pipeline system, MGL said, "So far we have not come across any breach in our pipeline system which could result in leakage of gas." When asked for a comment, BMC commissioner Pravin Pardesi said, "We have deployed 9 fire engines from Deonar, mankhurd, chamber, vikhroli, dindoshi, vile parle, kandivali, dahisar and malad to check leakage of unknown gas. Unconfirmed information of some leakage in RCF chembur our fire engine is dispatched to check any possibility of leakage of unknown gas. MGL has mobiles their 8 mobile emergency van to check leakage of PNG/CNG gas.NDRF also on site".

We have recieved complaints from citizens about odour of some unknown gas in eastern and western suburbs. MCGM has mobilized all concerned agencies. 9 fire engines have been mobilized at various places to find out source of leakage. For any queries, please call 1916 #MCGMUpdates

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) September 19, 2019

Meanwhile, BMC tweeted that it has received complaints from citizens about an odour of some unknown gas in eastern and western suburbs. "MCGM has mobilized all concerned agencies. For any queries, please call 1916," it said. The locals were unhappy with the response of MGL in the matter. Speaking to ANI, a Mumbaikar said, "When he came out of his house he realised that severe odour like the gas leak is getting spread in the area. When I tried to contact MGL, the company's landline numbers were not reachable. It was shocking for us that how this firm deals with its customers at a time of emergency. It is becoming harder for us to breathe." However, the Mumbai residents said that the BMC was very kind and ensured them that all measures are being taken to prevent an emergency-like-situation. (With additional information from ANI)