Bhubaneswar, June 23 -- The Odisha government has directed officials to inspect shrimp processing units across the state following the deadly ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing unit in Tamil Nadu on June 21 that claimed several lives, including seven workers from Odisha.

The state government has written to all Deputy Directors of Factories and Boilers, directing them to assess the status of ammonia gas handling and storage in shrimp processing units. Officials have been asked to conduct field inspections and submit a detailed report within seven days.

According to the directive, officials will have to examine the preventive measures adopted by factories to avoid ammonia gas leaks and verify whether adequate safety mechanisms are i...