Oil pipeline blast in Assam's Dibrugarh triggers panic, farmlands and fish ponds affected

A major scare was reported from Dibrugarh district after an oil pipeline belonging to Oil India Limited (OIL) ruptured late on Monday  night, January 5, at Shalmari Dighalia under the Tingkhong area, raising fears of a large-scale accident.

According to local sources, the incident occurred at around 10 pm when the crude oil pipeline suddenly burst with a loud explosion, following which continuous leakage of oil began. 

The sharp smell of crude oil spread rapidly across the area, creating panic among residents. Villagers said there was a constant fear of a massive fire breaking out at any moment.

Within a short time, the leaking oil spread to nearby agricultural fields and fish-rearing ponds. Several fish died after coming into contact with the oil, causing significant losses to farmers and fish cultivators in the area. The stench of crude oil reportedly spread over a radius of nearly one kilometre, making it difficult for people to breathe.

Local residents expressed apprehension that exposure to sunlight and wind during the day could cause the oil and gas to mix further, posing serious health risks to humans and animals. They warned that the impact on livestock, wildlife and human health could worsen if immediate containment measures were not ensured.

Upon receiving information about the incident, Oil India officials rushed to the site during the night and initiated efforts to control the leakage. However, villagers alleged that this was not the first such incident in the area and claimed that similar pipeline bursts had occurred earlier as well.

Residents accused the Oil India management of neglecting long-term safety measures, stating that the pipeline is extremely old and prone to repeated failures. They alleged that instead of replacing the ageing pipeline or implementing a permanent solution, the company has been resorting to temporary repairs to evade responsibility.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over pipeline safety, environmental damage and the risks faced by communities living in oil-producing regions of Upper Assam.