Oil spills after rupture in Paradip-Haldia IOCL pipeline in Kendrapara; IOCL alleges theft attempt, lodges FIR

Thousands of litres of oil flooded acres of land near Bheda (Narendrapur) under Aul block of Kendrapara district after an underground pipeline of IOCL ruptured. The IOCL authorities have started restoration work and a drive to recover the spilled oil from the ground.

As per reports, a breach was reported in the Haldia -Paradip pipeline near Bheda last night, leading to a massive oil spill in the area. 

Local residents apprehend that the oil spill would damage the farmlands if it is not cleared properly.

Speaking to the media, Manoj Dhala, a local resident, said, “The Paradip-Haldia pipeline had a leakage near Bheda last night. Thousands of litres of oil gushed out of the crack and spread on the ground.”

Dhala added that if the leakage is not repaired properly, it would spell disaster for nearby farmlands in the future.   

On learning about the damage, the IOCL authorities deployed technicians from the refinery to plug the leakage. They are trying to mop up the diesel from the ground into tankers.

Latest Update by IOCL Authorities

A team of the IOCL has rectified the leak in the pipeline allegedly caused by miscreants. The team has also cleared the spilled oil from the site.

"Pressure drop was observed in the Paradip Somnathpur Haldia pipeline of IOCL on 03.11.2023. Upon investigation, the leak was traced onto the pipeline at  Narendrapur under Aul police station of Kendrapara district. The leak was caused by a drilling, attempted by miscreants to steal oil from the pipeline, which is not only hazardous but also damaging the environment. An FIR has been lodged in the Aul police station," informed IOCL officials.