Mangaluru: Over 25 workers fall ill after suspected ammonia leak at fish processing unit
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Aug 1 (PTI): More than 25 workers reportedly fell ill following a suspected ammonia leak at a fish processing unit in the Baikampady Industrial Area near Surathkal here on Friday, police said.
The leak is suspected to have occurred in the early hours, possibly from the plant’s refrigeration system. Several workers complained of breathlessness, respiratory distress, and irritation and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Most were discharged after receiving first aid, while a few remain under observation.
Mangaluru City Police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel brought the situation under control.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the leak and assess whether safety protocols were followed.
The Dakshina Kannada district health officer visited the site and reviewed the condition of the affected workers.
Preliminary reports suggest "no life-threatening injuries". A detailed inspection of the unit is underway.
The factory has been temporarily shut as a precaution, and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is expected to conduct an environmental safety audit, a company official said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
