NTPC, Bongaigaon on Sunday clarified that the chemical oil that caused huge damage to paddy fields nearby the power project is not leaked from its plant.
In a press communiqué NTPC publicity officer Priyanka Bhuyan said NTPC has analyzed the oil sample and come to the conclusion that it is not the oil that is normally used in the plant.
“The sample is basically of crude oil nature and hence NTPC, Bongaigaon has no role in the current oil spillage,” she said.
“The management of NTPC, Bongaigaon is deeply concerned about the crisis of the local people and extends all support to further investigate the matter. The matter has also been taken up with the IOCL and Oil India Ltd whose pipelines are crossing the plant and township and will be resolved soon. Being a Maharatna company, it is also our responsibility to see such incidents don’t happen,” she added.
The chemical, flowing from the canals of NTPC-Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project near Salakati in Kokrajhar district of Assam, has caused massive damage to paddy fields in villages located in immediate vicinity to the power project.
The land owners and cultivators have been demanding compensation.
More than 20 MT of crops have been destroyed by the chemical oil and industrial waste water.
The cultivators alleged untreated industrial wastes, oil and chemical exert come out from the plant area and flow to paddy field destroying crops, soil and fertility of land.
“We are not against the project but we do not allow the project at the cost of our lives. It is their duty under Corporate Social Responsibility to give relief to the local community,” villagers said.