GUWAHATI: Several hours after a gas pipeline leak was reported from an area in Assam’s Dulijan, the Oil India Limited (OIL) has come up with an explanation for the incident.
According to OIL, the incident occurred after unidentified culprits stole a crucial piece of equipment, known as the “X-Mas tree”, which regulates gas and oil flow in a well, a spokesperson of the Limited told the press, on Friday.
The well, situated within a depleted reservoir in the region, had been non-operational since 2016, OIL said.
The theft reportedly took place at well number 67 of OIL, situated in the Gazalbasti area near Dirial tea estate in Duliajan. The removal of this key component caused an uncontrolled outflow of fluids, primarily water, from the wellhead, the press reported.
In response to this emergency, OIL activated its crisis management team and dispatched fire tenders to the site. Immediate measures were taken to contain and secure the well. An on-site OIL task force, working closely with local authorities, is actively managing operations to control the water flow and facilitate the well’s restoration.
OIL has filed an FIR with the local police and have also informed the district administration about the incident, which was reported at approximately 9:30 pm on Thursday. Further investigations on the matter are underway.
This incident was not an isolated occurrence. On August 1, the residents of Duliajan, were struck by panic when a frightening gas leak, accompanied by a loud explosion, sent shockwaves through the area.
The incident took place in close proximity to an OIL gas pipeline, instilling apprehension among the local residents.
