A crude oil pipeline operated by Oil India Limited (OIL) ruptured on Monday night near Shalmari Dighalia in Upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district, resulting in a significant leakage of crude oil that raised alarms among local residents. The incident occurred around 10 PM, accompanied by a loud explosion that startled the community. Following the rupture, the oil leaked continuously, alarming nearby residents who feared a potential fire outbreak. The extensive oil spread occurred into local agricultural fields and fish-rearing ponds, causing several fish fatalities due to exposure to the crude oil.
In response to the incident, OIL officials promptly arrived at the scene to manage the leak. However, residents began experiencing respiratory difficulties due to the pervasive odor of crude oil, which spread approximately one kilometer from the site. Concerns were raised regarding the potential health risks posed by the oil, particularly with the prospect of environmental conditions—sunlight and wind—exacerbating the situation by promoting the mixing of oil with gas.
Residents expressed strong apprehension regarding the immediate health implications for humans, livestock, and wildlife, emphasizing the urgent need for containment measures to avert a deterioration in health and environmental safety. They noted that this incident is not an isolated one, citing previous occurrences of pipeline bursts, which compounds their fears and frustration over the safety and reliability of pipeline infrastructure in their region.
