Vadodara Residents Complain of Pungent Gas Smell in Several Areas; GPCB Starts Monitoring

Vadodara: Complaints of a strong and pungent gas-like smell in several areas of Vadodara have raised serious concern among residents, with many taking to social media platforms to highlight the issue and demand action from authorities.

An Instagram page LiveVadodara flagged the issue, stating,

“In the Sanskari city Vadodara, residents of Gorwa, Subhanpura, Laxmipura and nearby areas have been facing the spread of toxic and foul-smelling gas during night hours for the last several days. According to locals, the strong smell every night is causing breathing difficulty, eye irritation and skin-related problems. This toxic air can be dangerous, especially for children and elderly people. Social activist Svejal Vyas has alleged that nearby industries are releasing chemical-mixed gas into the air in violation of rules. Some companies around the Alembic area are under suspicion. Citizens are angry and demanding immediate action from the authorities.”

Replying to the post, one user commented,

“Kalali and Atladara area ma bhi aavi smell aave che, Silox company mathi.”
(“Similar smell is coming in Kalali and Atladara area also, possibly from Silox company.”)

Another user wrote,

“Similar to Atladra, daily Transpek is reloading gas at midnight. Being a nearby resident we feel it while breathing too, with sore throat and other health complications.”

One comment read,

“Yes, every day we face such bad smell that we are forced to breathe it. Strict action must be taken against these industries polluting the atmosphere. It is getting really serious.”

Another resident expressed anger over civic issues, writing,

“I don’t want to pay property tax this year. Get a permanent solution for me and my kids to breathe before you charge us. You have made the entire city like an archaeological site. Roads remain closed for months and now we also have to breathe polluted air.”

Another user wrote,

“Same situation in Makarpura GIDC also. From late night till morning there is such a strong smell that it becomes unbearable. Even in Manjalpur the smell spreads. Many times it feels like acidic fumes coming from Canton Laboratories. The smell is strong near the Vadsar GIDC bridge.”

Dr. Priyal commented,

“Similar situation is in Manjalpur area. I had called GPCB earlier but no solution came. Pathargate area also gets heavy foul smell. If doors or windows remain open at night, the whole house fills with the smell.”

Similar complaints were also posted on X (formerly Twitter).
User Tasha Sandiponi wrote,

“Vadodara has been choking on a foul gas smell like ammonia for the last five days. People are breathing this toxic air while authorities remain silent. How long will residents be forced to inhale poison before someone acts?”

Another user posted,

“From last week I have been feeling a very strong chemical smell, especially at night, in Samta–Subhanpura area.”

One more user said,

“Every few days the same foul smell spreads again. Authorities probably know the source but ignore it because it does not affect them.”

User Sahil wrote,

“For the last 2–3 weeks the smell is very strong at night. Elderly people face breathing problems and even I am suffering from sneezing and allergy. Authorities should stop this smell.”

The issue was also discussed on Reddit, where one user wrote,

“I experienced this pungent smell several times in the evening in the Gotri area. People have been talking about it for months. It is high time some action is taken.”

Another user added,

“Every night there is a strong smell and still no action is being taken.”

A third user wrote,

“I have experienced this smell in Alkapuri, Subhanpura, Gotri and Bhayli after 8 pm. Night walks have become difficult and the whole city is full of dust due to dug-up roads.”

Government Action

Meanwhile, complaints were also reported from Bhayli area, where residents said unbearable foul smell has been spreading in the air for the last few days. After repeated representations, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has installed a 24-hour air-monitoring system in the area.

Residents have reported breathing difficulty, headache and eye irritation due to the smell, which is said to be stronger during early morning and late night. Concerns have been raised about the health of children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory diseases.

According to officials, the monitoring system will continuously check the Air Quality Index (AQI) and measure pollutants in the air to identify the exact source of the smell.

Officials said that four days ago a strong foul smell had spread across the city, after which GPCB issued a seven-day ultimatum to six industries including units in Nandesari GIDC to take corrective steps.

Regional officer Margiben Patel said inspection teams are checking multiple industrial units and action will be taken if violations are found. Industries have been instructed to change processing timings to avoid emissions during evening and night hours.

Sources said possible sources include multiple industrial zones such as Nandesari GIDC, refinery units, GSFC, Reliance, Panoli Intermediate and Jayant Agro, where gases like hydrocarbons, ammonia, sulphur dioxide and volatile organic compounds may contribute to the smell.

Officials also stated that the foul smell may not be caused by a single gas, but by a mixture of different gases, and further investigation is underway.