The Indian Oil pipeline leakage, because of a racket stealing oil from the pipeline, caused thousands of litres of oil spilling away into river and sea water.
The worrying fact is the oil pollution of sea water has posed a threat to the life of aquatic creatures, already thousands having died. The Pollution Control Board, the Forest Department and the Fisheries Department rushed to the spot to inquire the matter. But the IOCl officials were tight-lipped.
Sources said that the pipeline leakage was within the knowledge of IOCl officials. The pipeline, from the Oil Jetty of the Paradip Port to IOCl deport, covers a distance of 5km. There is a four-line system pipeline coming through Kaudia river bank which is very vulnerable to theft. Thieves dig the pipe and steal the oil in barrels and boats.
This oil theft is carried out under the very nose the local police and the IOCl officials. But, when the oil overflows to river water and goes to sea, the matter is highlighted.
The latest oil leak of about 1, 20,000 liters got mixed with water. Environmentalist Sankhanada Behera demanded action to stop the pollution. State Pollution Board Officer Prasanta Kar said an inquiry was on and the board would serve notice to IOCl after getting the report. Central Pollution Board members Dilip Kumar Behera, Nihar Ranjan Sahoo and Akhil Kumar Swain visited the spot and collected samples of water.
The leakage is 5th time in a row, but the IOCl is not taking any action because of a few of its officials and employees are also hands in glove with the racketeers, sources divulged.