TCS releases unknown gas in Mumbai residential area near National Park
Mumbai, 8th November, 2018: At about 5.40 pm on Sunday, 4th November 2018, one of the two Tata
Consultancy Services offices in Borivali, a western suburb of Mumbai
near Sanjay Gandhi National Park, released a large amount of an unknown
gas. The noisy emission was audible and visible from neighbouring
buildings. I took this video of the gas emission.
I took the video with my cellphone from my sitting room window on the fifth floor, of Raheja Green building. And then I dialed 100 and called the police control room when the emission was still in progress.
In the presence of police officers from Kasturba Marg police station, TCS gate security personnel claimed that they had just discharged some expired CO2 (carbon dioxide) fire extinguishers, and that it was an innocuous and harmless release. But they could not provide any further details or paperwork to prove their claim. They said that the person in charge was Sandip Divekar, Location Head, Administration.
I took the video with my cellphone from my sitting room window on the fifth floor, of Raheja Green building. And then I dialed 100 and called the police control room when the emission was still in progress.
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| A large quantity of white gas being released in TCS compound in Raheja Estate, Borivali East, Near Sanjay Gandhi National Park, on Sunday evening. |
In the presence of police officers from Kasturba Marg police station, TCS gate security personnel claimed that they had just discharged some expired CO2 (carbon dioxide) fire extinguishers, and that it was an innocuous and harmless release. But they could not provide any further details or paperwork to prove their claim. They said that the person in charge was Sandip Divekar, Location Head, Administration.
I sought a detailed explanation in writing about the NATURE AND QUANTITY OF GASES, SUPPORTED BY DOCUMENTS SHOWING PROPER AUTHORIZATION FOR THE GAS RELEASE. Four days after the emission, TCS is still not offering any documents to support their claims.
My email sent on Sunday evening, titled "Large emission of gas in TCS compound today 5:40 pm", is reproduced below:
My email sent on Sunday evening, titled "Large emission of gas in TCS compound today 5:40 pm", is reproduced below:
EMAIL SENT ON 4TH NOVEMBER:
Dear Mr Divekar,
This is regarding the video, which I have shared with you on WhatsApp. I took this video from my living room window. The video shows a large amount of gas (or gases) very noisily released in your compound by your security staff between 17:40 and 17.45 pm. I have been having a mild and lingering headache after that release. I'm not alleging that my headache is caused by this gas release, but it certainly coincided with this emission, and I am wondering why that is the case.
As per our discussion on phone, I will appreciate if you give me a satisfactory explanation of this event, the nature and quantity of the gas released, etc.
Also please explain at what frequency such gas releases have been performed in your compound, and by which officers such releases are authorized in your organization.
As I mentioned to you on phone, there was a similarly noisy release of gas a few months ago, which went on for a couple of hours. My family and I smelled a corrosive sort of smell, rather like bleach. That time, for some reason, I ignored the whole thing and did not take any action.
My worry is that TCS has two non-residential office buildings in Kulupwadi, nestled among residential buildings of Raheja Estate, Cascade etc. where thousands of families stay. So, the exact chemical composition, quantity and frequency of emissions of gases assumes great significance from a public-health point of view.
Please explain in complete detail what is going on, and please attach supporting documents to show that such gas releases are (1) properly authorized (2) a log-book is maintained of the nature and quantity of gases released (3) and is in accordance with the rules and laws of appropriate authorities, such as the Pollution Control Board, MCGM etc. (4) safe in all respects, especially from the public health perspective.
I am especially concerned in ensuring that no criminal offenses are made out by this emission of gases.
I understand that you are the Location Admin of this particular building of TCS, (which is situated in the same compound as Raheja Green, Horizon Green, Green Avenue, Bhoomi Green and Bhoomi Breeze, although separated by a compound wall. Opposite your building is Goraksh Dham and Cascade). So this email is addressed to you in your official capacity. If you did not authorize this gas emission, and/or are not properly authorized to give a proper response to my queries, kindly escalate this email to an authorized person in your organization.
I look forward to your detailed and reasoned response, supported with proper documents. Please reply early.
Yours sincerely,
Krishnaraj Rao, Journalist
501, A-wing, Raheja Green CHS,
Raheja Estate, Kulupwadi Road
Borivali East, Mumbai 400066
-----------------------------------------
EMAIL RECEIVED ON 6TH NOVEMBER:
Dear Mr. Rao,
Further to our telephonic discussion, we regret the inconvenience caused to you on account of this incident and apologize for the same.
As you are aware, TCS is an IT services organization and not involved in any manufacturing activity. NO toxic or hazardous gases are used in our operations in this facility.
The gas discharge mentioned in your communication was during preparation for a performance test and training using Carbon Dioxide Fire extinguishers. TCS has installed fire extinguishers in the facility as part of the requirements under Fire Safety Laws (National building code of India, Maharashtra Fire prevention and Life safety act 2006 and rules, Pollution control board clearance) and other ISO standards with the intention of extinguishing any small fires at the initial stage itself so that the building and the surrounding buildings are not affected by any major fire. These extinguishers are similar to the extinguishers that are used in residential and commercial establishments.
There is a requirement of performance testing of these fire extinguishers where in the contents are emptied as mandated by IS 2190 as per defined frequency (once in five years for Carbon dioxide) to ensure that the extinguishers will function satisfactorily in case of any emergency. The associates and security staff are given regular training on how to use the fire extinguishers in case of a fire emergency. Similarly we also conduct mock drills every quarter during which all employees participate in the drill and are shown a live demonstration of how to use the fire extinguishers.
As TCS office is having electronic equipment like computers, use of extinguishers using Carbon Dioxide is permitted / recommended as per relevant Indian standards. Carbon Dioxide is a colourless, odourless, non flammable and a non toxic gas which is heavier than air. Since it is stored at high pressure in liquefied state in the extinguisher, it comes out as gas (like LPG) through a horn when the valve is opened and the noise generated is due to the discharge of CO2 gas. Also the heat required for vaporizing is taken from surrounding air, the water vapor in air condenses and appears as a white smoke. The extinguishers used for the purpose were 3 kg extinguishers which are placed in our premises as per requirements of the fire laws.(FYI 1 liter of diesel or petrol when burnt releases around 2.5 kg CO2).
TCS has been maintaining its fire fighting equipment in good order keeping in mind that the said offices are located in residential areas and any fire can cause major inconveniences/property damage/loss of life and such exercises should be viewed as maintaining our operational readiness. These fire extinguishers and other fire detection and fire fighting equipment enables us to be better equipped incase of any unfortunate fire incidence and would also restrict the spread of fire to neighboring premises. These systems would also be handy in case of any unfortunate fire incidence in neighboring premises for dousing small fires till the time the fire tender arrives for help. We are mandated by law to submit a report on upkeep of all fire fighting equipment in proper order to Maharashtra fire and rescue services once in six months. You may verify with the fire authorities in case you are still doubtful on the process followed at TCS.
It is also mandated as per law to have fire safety training to residents in multistoried buildings. Therefore incase you are conducting fire drills in your society, our team can give a demo on how a CO2 extinguisher operates so as to clear your apprehensions.
Thanking you,
With Regards,
Sandip Sambhaji Divekar
Administration
Tata Consultancy Services
--------------------------------------------------
CONCLUSION
Mr Divekar has given me a plausible explanation, but he is steadfastly ignoring my requests for supporting official documents to authenticate his claims. Nor is he naming the manager responsible for authorizing and supervising such emissions.
This is not the first time gas emissions has happened in TCS compound. There have been bigger and more prolonged releases of gases in this compound, and TCS needs to come clean on what gases have been released in the past, how much and who authorized them.
I for one find it very difficult to believe that a global company like TCS can perform actions such as discharging CO2 fire extinguishers (or any other gases) without maintaining log books, schedules, records, authorisations, etc. These are materials and office properties that cannot be disposed off without proper procedure and accounting.
My current position remains that unless proven otherwise with documentary evidence, an unquantifiable but substantial amount of an unknown gas was released into the atmosphere by TCS personnel in TCS compound on Sunday evening. Mr Divekar's statements and claims of themselves cannot be taken as satisfactory evidence contradicting this position.
ISSUED IN PUBLIC INTEREST BY
Krishnaraj Rao
9821588114 / 8169471229
krish.kkphoto@gmail.com
EMAIL RECEIVED ON 6TH NOVEMBER:
Dear Mr. Rao,
Further to our telephonic discussion, we regret the inconvenience caused to you on account of this incident and apologize for the same.
As you are aware, TCS is an IT services organization and not involved in any manufacturing activity. NO toxic or hazardous gases are used in our operations in this facility.
The gas discharge mentioned in your communication was during preparation for a performance test and training using Carbon Dioxide Fire extinguishers. TCS has installed fire extinguishers in the facility as part of the requirements under Fire Safety Laws (National building code of India, Maharashtra Fire prevention and Life safety act 2006 and rules, Pollution control board clearance) and other ISO standards with the intention of extinguishing any small fires at the initial stage itself so that the building and the surrounding buildings are not affected by any major fire. These extinguishers are similar to the extinguishers that are used in residential and commercial establishments.
There is a requirement of performance testing of these fire extinguishers where in the contents are emptied as mandated by IS 2190 as per defined frequency (once in five years for Carbon dioxide) to ensure that the extinguishers will function satisfactorily in case of any emergency. The associates and security staff are given regular training on how to use the fire extinguishers in case of a fire emergency. Similarly we also conduct mock drills every quarter during which all employees participate in the drill and are shown a live demonstration of how to use the fire extinguishers.
As TCS office is having electronic equipment like computers, use of extinguishers using Carbon Dioxide is permitted / recommended as per relevant Indian standards. Carbon Dioxide is a colourless, odourless, non flammable and a non toxic gas which is heavier than air. Since it is stored at high pressure in liquefied state in the extinguisher, it comes out as gas (like LPG) through a horn when the valve is opened and the noise generated is due to the discharge of CO2 gas. Also the heat required for vaporizing is taken from surrounding air, the water vapor in air condenses and appears as a white smoke. The extinguishers used for the purpose were 3 kg extinguishers which are placed in our premises as per requirements of the fire laws.(FYI 1 liter of diesel or petrol when burnt releases around 2.5 kg CO2).
TCS has been maintaining its fire fighting equipment in good order keeping in mind that the said offices are located in residential areas and any fire can cause major inconveniences/property damage/loss of life and such exercises should be viewed as maintaining our operational readiness. These fire extinguishers and other fire detection and fire fighting equipment enables us to be better equipped incase of any unfortunate fire incidence and would also restrict the spread of fire to neighboring premises. These systems would also be handy in case of any unfortunate fire incidence in neighboring premises for dousing small fires till the time the fire tender arrives for help. We are mandated by law to submit a report on upkeep of all fire fighting equipment in proper order to Maharashtra fire and rescue services once in six months. You may verify with the fire authorities in case you are still doubtful on the process followed at TCS.
It is also mandated as per law to have fire safety training to residents in multistoried buildings. Therefore incase you are conducting fire drills in your society, our team can give a demo on how a CO2 extinguisher operates so as to clear your apprehensions.
Thanking you,
With Regards,
Sandip Sambhaji Divekar
Administration
Tata Consultancy Services
--------------------------------------------------
CONCLUSION
Mr Divekar has given me a plausible explanation, but he is steadfastly ignoring my requests for supporting official documents to authenticate his claims. Nor is he naming the manager responsible for authorizing and supervising such emissions.
This is not the first time gas emissions has happened in TCS compound. There have been bigger and more prolonged releases of gases in this compound, and TCS needs to come clean on what gases have been released in the past, how much and who authorized them.
I for one find it very difficult to believe that a global company like TCS can perform actions such as discharging CO2 fire extinguishers (or any other gases) without maintaining log books, schedules, records, authorisations, etc. These are materials and office properties that cannot be disposed off without proper procedure and accounting.
My current position remains that unless proven otherwise with documentary evidence, an unquantifiable but substantial amount of an unknown gas was released into the atmosphere by TCS personnel in TCS compound on Sunday evening. Mr Divekar's statements and claims of themselves cannot be taken as satisfactory evidence contradicting this position.
ISSUED IN PUBLIC INTEREST BY
Krishnaraj Rao
9821588114 / 8169471229
krish.kkphoto@gmail.com
It must be answered to avoid putting residents life in risk inadvertently
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