A crude oil pipeline of Oil India Limited (OIL) reportedly burst late on Monday night in the Salmari–Digholia area under Tingkhong in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, causing panic among residents and damage to nearby farmland and fish-rearing ponds. Local people said the incident took place at around 10 pm when a sudden bursting sound was heard from the pipeline. Soon after, crude oil started leaking continuously from the damaged section. The smell of crude oil spread quickly across the area, and many residents said they were worried about the possibility of a fire.Villagers said that within a short time the leaking oil flowed into nearby agricultural fields and ponds used for fish farming. Many fish reportedly died after coming into contact with the oil.
Farmers have said that their crops have also been affected and they now fear heavy losses due to contamination of soil and water.Residents said the strong smell of crude oil made it uncomfortable to breathe and some feared that exposure over time might cause health problems for both people and animals. There were also concerns that sunlight and wind during the day might increase the risk of ignition or spread the fumes further.Several villagers alleged that the pipeline has become old and weak and that similar bursts had taken place in the past as well. They said that while temporary repairs were carried out earlier, the pipeline was never replaced. Many demanded a proper safety audit and permanent replacement of ageing lines so that such incidents do not happen again.
Oil India officials reportedly reached the site soon after receiving information and began efforts to control the leakage. Work was also started to assess the extent of the damage caused to farmland, ponds and the surrounding environment.