Clearance Operation Underway at Seafood Export Factory
The Tamil Nadu government has initiated the extraction of ammonia gas stored at the St Peter & Paul Seafoods Exports Private Limited plant in Kannigaipair village, Tiruvallur district. The operation follows a gas leak that occurred at the facility on June 21, 2026.
According to officials, the extraction process is being carried out by a specialized team from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, in coordination with the district administration and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. The operation aims to safely remove the remaining ammonia gas from the storage tanks to prevent any further incidents.
Background of the June 21 Gas Leak
On June 21, 2026, a leak of ammonia gas was reported at the seafood export factory, prompting an immediate response from local authorities. The leak affected several workers and residents in the vicinity, leading to hospitalizations. The district administration had earlier declared a high alert and evacuated nearby areas as a precautionary measure.
An investigation into the incident revealed that the leak occurred due to a malfunction in the refrigeration system, which uses ammonia as a coolant. The factory, which processes and exports seafood, had stored large quantities of ammonia for its cold storage operations.
Safety Measures and Public Advisory
The Tamil Nadu government has assured the public that all necessary safety protocols are being followed during the extraction process. Residents in the surrounding areas have been advised to remain indoors and keep windows closed until the operation is completed. The district administration has set up a control room to monitor the situation and provide updates.
“We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safe removal of ammonia gas. The health and safety of the public are our top priority,” said a senior official from the Tiruvallur district administration.
The extraction is expected to be completed within the next 48 hours, after which the factory will remain closed pending further investigations and compliance with safety regulations.
