Chennai: Palm oil leak from a pipeline carrying the edible oil from the harbour to a private company created tensions in Nagoorar Thottam Pallam in Kasimedu on Tuesday. A thick orange-color oil covered the road in the region.
According to ABP Nadu, the cooking oil had come to Chennai Harbour through a ship and a private company in Thiruvottiyur was geared to transfer the oil through a pipeline. On Tuesday, the pipeline suddenly developed a crack and the oil kept leaking. Nearly 50 liters of oil leaked from the pipes and became stagnant on the roads in Nagoorar Thottam Pallam.
Later, the private company plugged in the leak.
However, Fishing Harbour police filed a complaint about the leak in the area.
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When the fishermen went to their work on Monday, they heard a loud blast and oil started leaking from the pipeline. Following this, the fishermen informed the police station and they informed the concerned company to remove the oil.
Three lorries were pressed into service for clearing the oil. However, it was reportedly not completely cleared.
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Talking to The Hindu, MD Dayalan, a fishermen's community leader said, the leaks had happened in the past as well.
However, steps should be taken to prevent such leaks since in the long term the oil can impact groundwater and soil in the area.
Tamil Nadu Meenavar Murpokku Sangam president Jagadeesan said, the concerned department should replace the pipelines which were laid 20 years ago to avoid further leaks.
He also said that they had organised protests earlier against the issue but no action was taken. The cooking oil leak also created breathing difficulty, said the locals to DT Next.