Chemical Leak in Jorhat Causes Traffic Disruptions and Environmental Concerns
Traffic Chaos Due to Chemical Spill
An image of the damaged ambulance (AT Image)
Jorhat, Oct 24: A chemical leak from a soap manufacturing facility along the Jorhat-Mariani road has led to significant traffic disruptions and raised alarms about potential harm to local agricultural areas. The slick road conditions have reportedly resulted in several accidents since Thursday night.
The chemical has spread across the main thoroughfare and nearby lanes, complicating travel for both residents and commuters.
According to locals, numerous vehicles have skidded on the affected stretch, including an ambulance that was en route from Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) to retrieve a patient.
A resident recounted that the ambulance accident occurred around 11:30 PM on Thursday when the driver mistook the chemical spill for water. The vehicle lost control and crashed into the roadside, while another car veered off into a nearby forest.
“When we stepped outside to evaluate the situation, we also slipped. Many vehicles had already experienced similar mishaps,” the resident noted.
The leak has raised serious concerns regarding its effects on local farmland and the environment. Another resident mentioned that the chemical has been seeping from the factory since Thursday, contaminating adjacent fields.
“Chemicals have been flowing out of the factory and spreading into agricultural areas since Thursday,” the resident stated.
One local indicated that the police had been notified and had visited the scene, but claimed that no representatives from the factory had come to assess the situation.
“We alerted the police, and they arrived at the location. They also contacted the factory owner, but no one from the factory has shown up yet. The chemical has now infiltrated our homes and spread across nearby lanes, making it hard for us to go outside,” the resident expressed.
The specific type of chemical involved and the extent of the contamination remain unclear.
Demanding the factory's closure and accountability for those responsible, a resident questioned the legitimacy of the factory's operations in the area.
“We want the factory shut down and strict legal measures taken against those accountable. We also seek clarity on who authorized the factory's operation in this location. If authorities do not act, we will initiate peaceful protests with the backing of Adivasi and Tai Ahom student organizations,” the resident warned.
Residents are calling for immediate action to contain the leak, ensure the safety of the affected roads, and evaluate the damage to local agricultural land.