41 Jharkhand workers stranded in Periyapalayam after deadly ammonia leak
Forty-one migrant workers from Jharkhand remain stranded at a temporary shelter in Periyapalayam, Tiruvallur district, following a June 21 ammonia gas leak at the St. Paul and Peter Seafood Export Firm that claimed 16 lives. While the Tamil Nadu government is currently providing them with food and medical aid, local officials stated they have received no response from the Jharkhand government to facilitate the workers' return home.
The tragedy occurred on June 21 when a toxic ammonia leak at the seafood processing unit forced the evacuation of migrant workers from Assam, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The exposure to the toxic gas led to the hospitalization of more than 80 workers. Sixteen workers ultimately died from the exposure, including 13 from Odisha, two from Jharkhand, and one from Assam.
Following the evacuation, the surviving workers were accommodated at a marriage hall in Periyapalayam, where the Tamil Nadu government has been providing them with food, shelter, and medical assistance.
While representatives from the Odisha and Assam governments personally visited the shelter and coordinated with the Tiruvallur district administration to arrange train transportation back home for their respective workers, the 41 workers from Jharkhand have been left behind.
A revenue official in Tiruvallur confirmed that the local administration has extended all necessary assistance to facilitate the journey of the Odisha and Assam workers. However, the official noted that despite sending multiple emails and making phone calls to Jharkhand authorities, there has been no response so far to repatriate the remaining 41 workers.
Stranded workers have expressed severe mental stress over their prolonged stay at the temporary marriage hall. One worker shared in a video message that they are not allowed to go outside or leave, and their identity documents are repeatedly checked without any clarity on when they will be sent home. Another worker appealed directly to the Jharkhand government to intervene immediately and provide relief.
Tiruvallur administration officials stated they will continue to provide the stranded workers with shelter, food, and medical assistance at the Periyapalayam hall while continuing their efforts to contact the Jharkhand government to arrange their return.
