Gas Leak In ONGC Pipeline Triggers Panic In Tamil Nadu Village

The residents took to a road roko on Kumbakonam–Mayiladuthurai highway and demanded immediate action in connection with ONGC pipeline gas leak.

The protest led to significant traffic disruption in the region for several hours.

Source : X

A gas leak in an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) pipeline in Chethirabalapuram sparked panic among local residents early Saturday. Following this, the residents took to a roadblock on Kumbakonam–Mayiladuthurai highway.

More than 30 villagers gathered on the road, demanding immediate action from authorities and expressing fear over potential health and safety hazards. The protest led to significant traffic disruption in the region for several hours.

A similar incident last year raised concerns among residents of the Ambedkar Konaseema district, who suspected a gas leak beneath the River Godavari near Dariyalatippa village. The suspected leak caused widespread fear and anxiety in the local community.

To draw attention to the issue, Yanam Congress leaders, along with local residents, set out on a boat to document the suspected leak. They captured video footage showing bubbles rising from the Gowthami Godavari River, accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor. The visuals were submitted to authorities, intensifying concerns about the possible risks posed by the suspected leak.

In March this year, a gas leak at an ONGC gas collection centre in Kesanapalli, Konaseema district, left nine staff members unwell. The incident occurred around 3 PM due to a pin valve malfunction but was brought under control within 15 minutes. Those affected reportedly experienced suffocation, and among the ill were a four-year-old girl and a 39-year-old woman.

(More details awaited)