OIL Pipeline Bursts Twice in Tingkhong, Triggers Panic and Protests

Panic gripped Shalmari-Dighalia village in Tingkhong after an ageing Oil India Limited crude oil pipeline burst twice within hours on January 5. The first leak occurred around 9:45 pm and was controlled by OIL emergency teams, averting a major accident. However, the pipeline ruptured again around 10 am the next day, forcing residents to move to safer areas before the leak was contained after nearly an hour.

The repeated leakage caused crude oil to spread over farmlands and fish ponds, sparking anger among villagers. Local residents and social worker Monimanik Gogoi blamed old and poorly laid pipelines, warning of serious risks to life and property. Villagers later staged a protest at the site, accusing OIL of carrying out only temporary repairs instead of replacing the ageing pipeline.