Palghar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of the Palghar gas leak that forced authorities to evacuate more than 2,600 people in Maharashtra’s Palghar district.
The Commission issued a notice to the state Chief Secretary. It asked the Maharashtra government to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
According to media reports, the incident occurred on March 2, 2026. A hazardous oleum gas leak took place at a chemical unit in the Boisar MIDC industrial area.
Authorities evacuated more than 2,600 people as a precaution. The group included around 1,600 students from nearby educational institutions.
The gas reportedly spread within a radius of nearly five kilometres. Emergency teams then moved residents and students away from the affected zone.
NHRC observed that the report, if accurate, raised serious concerns about possible human rights violations.
Evacuation ordered after hazardous leak at Boisar MIDC
Officials said three persons complained of minor eye irritation after exposure to the gas.
Authorities provided medical attention to those affected. Meanwhile, emergency measures were taken to prevent further health risks.
Officials were still investigating the cause of the industrial leak. They have not yet confirmed how the oleum gas escaped from the chemical unit.
The Commission said the state government must clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. It also asked authorities to explain the safety measures taken after the evacuation.
The NHRC will review the report once the Maharashtra government submits its response within the stipulated time.
