HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Jan 6: A crude oil pipeline belonging to Oil India Limited burst at Shalmari Dighalia Gaon in Tingkhong area of Dibrugarh on Monday night, leading to continuous leakage of crude oil and causing damage to nearby agricultural land and fish-farming ponds.
The incident occurred at around 10 pm, following which crude oil reportedly spread rapidly across the area.
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The spill entered adjoining farmlands and fish-rearing ponds, resulting in the death of several fish and causing losses to local farmers and pisciculturists.
Residents alleged that the pipeline was extremely old and vulnerable to repeated failures, accusing the Oil India management of neglecting long-term safety measures.
The sharp smell of crude oil quickly spread through the locality, triggering panic among villagers, who feared the possibility of a major fire.
Local resident Monimanik Gogoi said a loud sound was heard around 10 pm, after which villagers discovered crude oil spilling from the burst pipeline.
He added that fire tenders from Oil India rushed to the spot and took immediate steps to control the leakage and prevent a larger mishap.
“The pipelines are very old and should be replaced. There are around 50 oil wells in our village, including two OCS and one DCS. Oil India should take necessary steps to replace the ageing pipelines,” he said, adding that a major incident was narrowly averted due to timely intervention.
Meanwhile, the spill has caused concern among residents, who have demanded urgent repair and replacement of old pipelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
