Doomdooma: A reported crude oil leak from an Oil India Limited (OIL) pipeline over the Dibru River in Upper Assam’s Tinsukia district has raised questions about the safety of the region’s fragile aquatic ecosystem.
The Assam Moran Sabha has warned of a democratic agitation if immediate steps are not taken to prevent environmental damage.
Crude oil reportedly entered the river after a pipeline belonging to the public sector company developed a rupture.
The leak could contaminate the water and affect aquatic life as well as the livelihoods of hundreds of fishing families who depend on the river and nearby wetlands.
The regional committee of the Assam Moran Sabha has criticised what it described as the company’s negligence and demanded urgent action to protect the Dibru river and the ecologically important Maguri-Motapung Beel.
“Protect the Dibru river and Maguri-Motapung Beel. Oil India must take immediate responsibility and ensure that our natural resources are not destroyed. Otherwise, we will be compelled to launch an agitation against the company,” a member of the Assam Moran Sabha said on Monday.
Located near Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, the wetland covers approximately 9.6 square kilometres. It provides habitat for diverse aquatic life and more than 110 bird species. Its connected river system supports a variety of fish and sustains local fishing communities.
The region has previously suffered environmental damage from petroleum-related accidents. The 2020 Baghjan blowout continued for months, causing extensive ecological damage and raising questions about the impact of oil and gas operations on nearby wetlands, wildlife and local communities.
The reported leak is the latest petroleum-related incident in the ecologically sensitive region.
The exact quantity of oil leaked, the location of the pipeline and the extent of contamination are yet to be established. An official response from OIL is also awaited.