Oil well in northeast India still leaking gas one week after blowout
- 4 years ago
A blowout at an oil well near Tinsukia in Northeastern India remains unplugged a week after the incident.
The uncontrolled leak of natural gas and condensed oil, which started on May 27, has resulted in the evacuation of 2,500 villagers.
Footage from Tuesday (June 2) shows local vegetation which has turned brown and contaminated water with a thick layer of crude oil.
The leak at a well owned by Oil India Limited is also causing extensive damage to biodiversity and wildlife of the region -- including the endangered hoolock gibbons and gangetic dolphins.
Baghjan, where the gas well blowout occurred, is close to the Dibru Saikhowa National Park and the Maguri-Motapung wetlands.
These biosphere reserves host at least 36 species of mammals, including tigers, feral horses, and over 382 bird species.
According to local media, villagers say the mishap has destroyed their farms and have gone on protest.
Officials said they are assessing the damage and calling experts from abroad to plug the leak.
The uncontrolled leak of natural gas and condensed oil, which started on May 27, has resulted in the evacuation of 2,500 villagers.
Footage from Tuesday (June 2) shows local vegetation which has turned brown and contaminated water with a thick layer of crude oil.
The leak at a well owned by Oil India Limited is also causing extensive damage to biodiversity and wildlife of the region -- including the endangered hoolock gibbons and gangetic dolphins.
Baghjan, where the gas well blowout occurred, is close to the Dibru Saikhowa National Park and the Maguri-Motapung wetlands.
These biosphere reserves host at least 36 species of mammals, including tigers, feral horses, and over 382 bird species.
According to local media, villagers say the mishap has destroyed their farms and have gone on protest.
Officials said they are assessing the damage and calling experts from abroad to plug the leak.