Digital Goa, Dec 5- Tempers have begun to flare in Matvem-Dabolim as more water sources and even fields have been contaminated due to petroleum leakage. Fear has gripped locals as water from wells, nullahs and other water sources has been contaminated and become potentially flammable. Efforts are on for past 10 days to clear the contamination. Local Panch member Neelima Naik who has filed a police complaint in this regards and also alerted the authorities including Disaster Management Cell, said that over 50 tankers of contaminated water have been removed by the company so far. “Contaminations has reached nullahs and fields. We are sitting on a time bomb,” she added. “Authorities are saying that situation is under control. But the contamination is continuing to spread and the entire area is smelling of petrol,” she said. Expressing concern over the situation, locals urged authorities to take speedy corrective measures as the prevailing condition was a sure recipe for disaster.
▪️ Oil Company has assured of resolving issue in 2 days: Mamlatdar
Company official have assured that the issue will be resolved within one or two days, informed Mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit. State administration along with Zuari Indian Oil Tanking Ltd company officials and Goa State Pollution Control Board(GSPCB) officials have conducted joint inspection of the wells in the area. Another joint inspection will be carried out tomorrow. Following reports of the inspections from GSPCB, if the company is found guilty, strict action will be initiated, said Pandit.
▪️ Pipeline with leakage closed since Nov 22 : Oil Company officials
Company officials claimed that the leaking petroleum carrying pipeline which is the potential cause of contamination has been closed since November 22 and that no fresh pumping of petroleum has been done since then through the pipeline. He said that the water sources will be cleared of contamination and only after full line test and administrative clearance the pipeline will be opened for cargo.
