ONGC oil spill threatens Guj ecology

The ecology in the state is under threat following the spillage of over one lakh metric tonne of crude oil from an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) tank in Ola village in Mehsana district last week.

The flora, fauna, and agriculture of the region is severely affected, with the oil spillage spreading across a five kilometre radius.

"A crude oil storage tank of ONGC leaked last week due to the heavy rains in state, causing spillage of over one lakh metric tonne of crude oil in Ola village of Mehsana district. This spillage has severely affected agriculture in the region.

"We have already served a notice to ONGC asking to seriously look into the matter. We have also suggested immediate and mid-term measures," K V Bhanujan, chairman, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), said.

GPCB has also inducted National Environmental Engineering Research to carry out detailed study.

Even after a week of spillage, none of the officials of ONGC, state government or other agencies have visited the village so far.

A team of experts comprising scientists, engineers, agriculturists and other officials are expected to visit the village on Thursday to ascertain the extent of damage and compile a comprehensive report.

"It will take some time to ascertain the extent of damage at Ola village as the flora, fauna and agriculture of the region is severely affected," said Bhanujan.

Despite attempts, ONGC officials could not be reached for comment.

"Oil has entered in our fields and all our crops have been damaged. There is oil every where and nobody has visited us for help so far," said Nitiben Thakore, one of the villagers of Ola village.

Officials of the agriculture department of the Government of Gujarat (GoG) along with district collector and other agencies will be investigating the matter.

According to GPCB estimates, over 10,000 litres of oil spilled from the Koyali refinery of IOCL near Vadodara. "We have also served notice to IOCL for oil spillage from it Koyali refinery and have issued 10 point order to recollect oil from the region and take remedial measurers," Bhanujan said.

"Our Koyali refinery is one of the best in the country, adhering to all pollution control norms of international standards. However, the possibility of spillage can not be ruled out, following heavy rains. We are taking corrective measurers and things would be in control soon," said a senior IOCL official.

GPCB has also served notices to over 200 units across the state. The state pollution has also order closure of eight units.