Gas pipeline rupture during construction triggers panic in Cuttack’s CDA Sector 9

Panic gripped residents of CDA Sector 9 in Cuttack on Monday after an LPG gas pipeline ruptured during construction work being carried out with heavy machinery. The incident led to gas leakage in the area, prompting immediate evacuation measures and raising serious safety concerns among locals.

According to reports, the pipeline was damaged while construction activity was underway at the site. Soon after the leakage was noticed, local residents alerted others and urged people to vacate the area as a precaution. Passers-by were warned to stay away to avoid any potential mishap.

Fire services and officials from the gas pipeline company rushed to the spot and initiated repair work without delay. The situation was brought under control, and no casualties were reported.

Safety Concerns Due to Proximity to Petrol Pump

The incident has triggered an alarm as the damaged pipeline is located close to a petrol pump. Residents pointed out that warning boards indicating the presence of an underground gas pipeline were installed in the area and that construction activity was prohibited at the site. They said even a minor spark could have led to a major disaster due to the presence of highly flammable materials nearby.

Questions have been raised over who granted permission for the construction work and whether standard safety protocols were followed before deploying machinery in the restricted zone.

Eyewitness Accounts and Official Response

A local corporator said the gas was leaking up to a height of nearly 50 feet, creating a highly dangerous situation. “Fortunately, no one used a mobile phone, no vehicle passed through the area, and no one lit a cigarette. Roadside vegetable vendors fled the spot, leaving their belongings behind,” he said.

He added that officials from GAIL reached the site promptly, followed by the Fire Department. However, it remains unclear who was responsible for the construction work at the location.

Another local resident alleged that the construction was being carried out by individuals linked to the nearby petrol pump to build a road, despite the activity being unauthorised. He claimed that an earlier proposal to develop a park at the site had been rejected due to the presence of sewage and gas pipelines.

Residents Demand Probe

Following the incident, residents have demanded a thorough investigation to ascertain who authorised the construction, whether the gas pipeline was laid at the prescribed depth as per safety norms, and who permitted tree-cutting and construction in the restricted area. At the time of reporting, there was no official confirmation regarding responsibility for the construction work.