Vizag Gas Leak: Residents return on hold until air quality improves

Visakhapatnam: The smell of carcass and traces of styrene dot the areas surrounding LG Polymers on Sunday.

Even after three days after the gas leak at the plant, the neighborhoods wore a desolate look as the district administration evacuated the people residing at RR Venkatapuram and neighboring places to safer zones.

Though the incident happened on Thursday, people are not allowed into the villages even on Sunday.

Tourism Minister Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao said people will be allowed only after verifying the quality of the air and water. NDRF and Pollution Control Board officials visited RR Venkatapuram on Sunday and collected samples for testing.

Many samples, such as trees, water, and soil were taken for testing. According to the Pollution Control Board (PCB) officials, the air quality in the village has improved significantly.

Meanwhile, GVMC Commissioner G Srijana visited RR Venkatapuram village to take stock of the situation. PCB officials said there was still a trace of styrene gas existing in homes.

Officials have decided not to allow the locals into the houses until the situation completely comes to normal.

Sanitary officials, on the other hand, have begun the process of clearing the carcass of animals in the villages. This apart, sanitization was done in the areas.