Oil leakage in Kasimedu; locals say 'frequent issue'

CHENNAI: Tension prevailed in Kasimedu following oil pipeline leakage on Monday evening. The oil spill has wreaked havoc in the lives of fishing communities in the locality. Though it had been over 12 hours, the situation was no different on Tuesday morning. The orange-coloured cooking oil pooled in the area.

"We heard a loud blast from the pipeline at 4 pm on Monday and spotted oil gushing which spread in a wider space. We informed the nearby police station and it was passed to the concerned oil company to pump out the oil. At least three lorries arrived last evening yet, not cleared completely," said a resident and fisherman at Kasimedu fishing harbour.

Locals claimed that it has been a frequent issue witnessed due to lack of maintenance by the industries. As the pipe is 20 years old and without maintenance there is a leakage of oil.

"The concerned department and company should ensure the pipelines are replaced to avoid further circumstances. We have protested against the issue for a long time, but not addressed by the government," said K Jagadeesan, President, Tamil Nadu Meenavar Murpokku Sangam.

Local fishermen complain that due to the cooking oil spill they experienced breathing difficulty, and are unable to stay in the harbour. They urge the government to change the pipeline connection as it pollutes the groundwater quality and the sea for the past few years. And they fear a fire outbreak due to the leakage as it will spread in the residential area and the fishing equipment will be damaged.