Aarti Drugs Faces Operational Halt After HCL Gas Leak Prompts MPCB Safety Directive

Aarti Drugs Ltd has been directed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to immediately suspend its chlorosulfonation process at the T-150 unit in Tarapur MIDC following a hydrochloric acid (HCL) gas leakage incident on September 8, 2025. The incident, which occurred during ongoing production activities, triggered panic among nearby residents and workers due to the release of dense fumes. While no injuries were reported, the MPCB has taken precautionary action to mitigate further risks and ensure compliance with industrial safety norms.

 

The company has acknowledged the directive and confirmed that other manufacturing operations at the site remain unaffected. Aarti Drugs is now working with regulatory authorities to assess the situation and initiate corrective measures.

 

Key Highlights From The Incident

 

- Aarti Drugs Ltd reported a hydrochloric acid gas leak at its T-150 unit in Tarapur MIDC on September 8  

- The leak occurred around 7 pm during active production, releasing dense fumes into surrounding areas  

- Residents of Salwad and Shivajinagar experienced eye and throat irritation, prompting emergency response  

- Fire brigade teams from Boisar and local police reached the site to contain the situation  

- MPCB has ordered the immediate suspension of the chlorosulfonation process for safety review  

- No injuries or fatalities were reported, and containment measures were swiftly implemented  

 

Sequence Of Events And Emergency Response

The leak was traced to a cracked storage tank containing diluted hydrochloric acid. The rupture led to the release of dense fumes, which spread rapidly across adjacent residential zones. Local residents reported discomfort and rushed out of their homes, fearing escalation. Company safety officers, along with fire brigade personnel, acted promptly to stabilize the situation.

 

Authorities from the MPCB and Thane Disaster Management Cell arrived at the site to oversee containment and initiate a safety audit. The MPCB subsequently issued a directive to halt the chlorosulfonation process until further notice, citing the need for a comprehensive risk assessment.

 

Regulatory Action And Compliance Measures

The MPCB’s directive is part of its broader mandate to enforce environmental and industrial safety standards across Maharashtra’s chemical zones. The chlorosulfonation process, known for its use of reactive intermediates and corrosive gases, has been flagged for review due to its potential hazards.

 

Aarti Drugs has confirmed receipt of the directive and stated that it will comply fully with the order. The company is in the process of coordinating with the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) to obtain necessary permissions for any future restart. It has also assured stakeholders that sufficient inventory of the affected product is available and alternative sourcing arrangements are in place.

 

Operational Impact And Business Continuity

While the chlorosulfonation process has been suspended, Aarti Drugs has clarified that other manufacturing activities at the T-150 unit remain operational. The company does not expect a material impact on its overall production volumes or financial performance in the short term.

 

Key operational updates include:

 

- Inventory buffers for the affected product are adequate  

- Procurement from third-party suppliers is being explored  

- Other product lines at the T-150 unit continue without disruption  

- The company will update exchanges on further developments  

 

Community Reaction And Safety Concerns

Local residents have expressed concern over repeated incidents at the facility. The September 8 leak follows a similar bromine gas incident reported last year, raising questions about long-term safety protocols. Protesters gathered near the site demanding stricter oversight and permanent closure of hazardous operations.

 

Authorities have assured the public that a full investigation is underway and that additional safety measures will be implemented. Medical teams have been placed on standby, though no hospitalizations were reported.

 

Safety Review Ahead

The MPCB’s intervention underscores the importance of proactive safety governance in high-risk industrial zones. As Aarti Drugs works to address regulatory concerns, the company’s ability to reinforce safety infrastructure and rebuild community trust will be critical.

 

Sources: Mid-Day, Free Press Journal, Aarti Drugs Corporate Disclosure