Pipeline leak in Kasimedu
Posted on: 25/Apr/2013 10:23:33 AM
Panic prevailed at the Kasimedu Fishing Harbour on Tuesday as a pipeline leaked in three places. The leaks were reported to the police immediately. The pipeline which was laid in 1969 is 30 inches wide and 14 kms long. According to sources, it could not with hold the pressure when oil was pumped into it.
President of the South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association K. Bharathi said, ‘Such a leak during fishing ban period poses a big threat to the already depleting marine resources. The spilled over oil had gone as close as 4 feet to the sea and we were worried. Thankfully, people began filling the oil in containers, which prevented the oil to a large extent from spilling into the sea. Let them (the officials) lay pipeline from Ennore Port to the refinery which will be much shorter in distance (7 km) when compared to the existing 14 km pipeline and the proposed 17 km new pipeline.’
Speaking about the issue, an IOC (Indian Oil Corporation) spokesman said, ‘The pumping was subsequently stopped by 9.50 am to prevent any further leak. Valves were also closed to prevent further leak… The leak happened in the morning and it was brought to our notice by 10 am. We have sent a team, which has kept the situation under control. The spilled fuel is a base oil used for making lubricants and there is no need to panic.’
