Reply by IFFCO in Original Application No. 04 of 2021 in the matter of Suo Moto Gas Leak in Iffco Plant Vs Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board & Others dated 16/01/2021.

The matter related to ammonia gas leak incident at Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) plant at Phulpur, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on December 22, 2020. IFFCO in its reply to the NGT said that the accident within the factory premises on December 22, 2020 was squarely covered under the Factories Act, 1948. There was no escape of the Ammonia gas beyond the factory premises and possible harm to the outside public due to the said leak was prevented.

There was a sudden release of liquid Ammonia to the atmosphere which was restricted to a confined area by providing water curtains within the plant premises. The all-storm drains were blocked so that no ammoniacal water can go outside of factory premises. No outside population of Phulpur town or nearby villages had any effect of this leakage. All other units of IFFCO Phulpur plant like Ammonia - I, Ammonia - II, Urea - II, Power plant and other utilities were kept running and remained unaffected.