Mumbai Gas Scare: Massive Ammonia Leak at Mahananda Dairy in Goregaon, No Injuries Reported

A major industrial accident was narrowly averted on Wednesday night after an ammonia gas leak was reported at the Mahananda Dairy plant located in Goregaon (East). The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:12 pm, was triggered by a malfunctioning valve in a large-capacity refrigeration tank. Fortunately, quick response by multiple emergency teams helped contain the situation, and no injuries have been reported so far.

Ammonia Leak Origin and Scale

According to officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), ammonia began leaking from a tank inside the ground-floor refrigeration unit of the dairy plant. The tank had a capacity of 3,000 kilograms and was installed in a unit that spans nearly 2,000 square feet. The source of the leak was later confirmed to be a defective valve.

Ammonia, widely used in industrial refrigeration systems, can be highly toxic when inhaled in significant quantities. Immediate exposure can cause severe irritation to the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin, and in extreme cases, can prove fatal. Given the potential risks, authorities were quick to implement safety measures.
 

Swift Multi-Agency Response

As soon as the leak was detected, emergency response units were activated. Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, the specialized Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) unit, 108 Ambulance services, and ward-level civic staff rushed to the site. The coordinated response was crucial in controlling the gas leak and securing the surrounding area.

The fire brigade immediately cordoned off the area and initiated standard gas containment procedures. The HAZMAT unit, trained to handle chemical leaks and toxic hazards, was instrumental in neutralizing the gas and ensuring the safety of on-ground personnel. Local police managed traffic and helped ensure that bystanders remained at a safe distance.

As an added safety precaution, the plant's internal electrician shut down the power supply to the facility to prevent any secondary mishaps, such as electrical sparks or fires that could have been triggered by the leak.

Evacuation and Safety Protocols
 

While no formal evacuation of nearby buildings was deemed necessary, authorities monitored the air quality in the vicinity and advised residents and workers in the area to stay indoors. The situation was brought under control within a few hours, with officials continuing to monitor the premises overnight.

According to BMC sources, the plant was not operating at full capacity during the time of the incident, which helped mitigate the risks. Additionally, there were no reports of workers being exposed to harmful levels of ammonia. “The prompt shutdown of the power supply and immediate deployment of emergency services ensured that the leak was controlled before it could escalate into a disaster,” said a senior civic official.

Investigation and Preventive Measures

A detailed investigation is now underway to ascertain how the valve malfunctioned and whether there were any lapses in regular maintenance checks. Authorities have confirmed that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will also be involved in examining the plant’s safety compliance and handling of hazardous substances.

Mahananda Dairy, one of the largest milk suppliers in the state, has been advised to conduct a full inspection of all refrigeration systems and related machinery before resuming operations. BMC officials stressed the importance of regular maintenance and timely audits of industrial systems involving toxic substances like ammonia.

“We will ensure that a thorough inspection is carried out and that all safety protocols are revisited. The objective is to prevent any recurrence,” the official added.
 

Public Reactions

Local residents expressed concern over the incident but lauded the authorities for their timely action. “We heard sirens and saw fire brigade vehicles near the plant. It was scary, but we are relieved to know no one was harmed,” said a resident of a nearby housing society.

The incident has reignited conversations around industrial safety in densely populated urban areas like Mumbai, where factories and residential zones often exist side-by-side.