Crude oil leak from IOCL pipeline triggers panic in Odisha’s Paradip

Crude oil leakage from the Indian Oil Corporation Limited's underground pipeline along Atharabanki to Neheru Banglow in Paradip triggered panic among the residents of the area on Sunday.

According to sources, thousands of litres of crude oil spilt from the leaked pipeline and spread on the ground.

Similarly, the crude oil from the ruptured pipeline was seen floating on nearby Hentalabana and Kaudia river, sources informed, adding that, while some are saying it is crude oil, some are claiming it to be furnace oil.

Meanwhile, suspicion of miscreant involvement in damaging the pipeline to steal crude oil loomed large after several jerry cans were found on the spot. The locals doubt a nexus between the security guards and miscreants involved in oil theft as the pipeline was damaged a few meters away from the camp of the security guards.

Responding to the leakage reports, IOCL clarified that "As soon as the leakage was detected IOCL maintenance team present at the site immediately swung into action to arrest the leakage. Further, the spilled furnace oil was salvaged through Mobile Oil Spill Recovery Unit (MOSRU) prior to cleaning the area.

The pipeline was continuously monitored during the night of 20th/ 21st October 2024to identify further leakages throughout the jetty line. No further leakages were found at any other place, the company said in a release.

"Indian Oil has taken immediate action to address these operational concerns. There has been no ingress of any spilled oil to water bodies/mangroves affecting the marine life," IOCL added.