PARADIP: An alleged leakage of bentonite drilling slurry during the laying of an underground natural gas pipeline by GAIL for JSW Utkal Steel Limited has affected hundreds of acres of agricultural land at Patana village under Dhinkia panchayat in Erasama tehsil, triggering protests by farmers.
The villagers alleged that a contractor engaged by GAIL has been laying the underground pipeline in private agricultural and homestead land without obtaining the consent of landowners. During drilling on Sunday, bentonite slurry allegedly leaked and spread across large stretches of paddy fields.
Farmers alleged that the slurry damaged paddy crops, which had already been affected by the recent heavy rainfall They also claimed that the slurry entered private ponds, resulting in the death of fish. Several farmers complained of itching on their hands and feet after coming into contact with the affected water, raising concerns over possible skin ailments.
Villagers further alleged that neither GAIL nor the district administration had conducted an inquiry despite repeated complaints. “We informed senior officials of GAIL and JSW after the slurry spread across our fields. While two JSW officials visited the site, no remedial measures have been taken so far. GAIL officials are yet to inspect the affected area,” claimed Kailash Mohanty, a villager.
The villagers demanded immediate removal of the sludge and restoration of the affected farmland.
A senior JSW official acknowledged that slurry leakage during drilling had affected agricultural land and ponds. The contractor engaged by GAIL should have taken adequate preventive measures and ensured proper supervision during drilling, the official said. JSW had informed GAIL about the incident and requested an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the leakage, he added.
Contacted, Erasama tehsildar Snigdha Sradhanjali Behera said the administration had not received any formal complaint regarding the alleged slurry leakage. “If a complaint is received or the matter comes to our notice, an inquiry will be conducted and appropriate action taken,” she said.