‘Need for replacing ONGC pipes imminent’

Visiting the Kathiramangalam pipeline leakage spot, professor Jayaraman said that the leakage in the ‘Kuthalam 35’ well resulted in crude oil getting mixed with the Vikaraman river flow.  “Almost all the pipelines in the region are outdated. The pipes buried in the land has durability for a maximum of 15 years, but the life of these pipelines has crossed 17 years and it is hence an urgent need to replace them soon for the welfare of the people living nearby,” Jayaraman said.

Stating that there are as many as 11 wells around Kathiramangalam and that the pipelines pass through the waterbodies and residential areas, Jayaraman added that the situation is dangerous enough for Kathiramangalam to slowly find its place out of the map.

He also stated that the people are forced to consume the oil-contaminated water which poses health risk. Although people like to live, the government want them to suffer and die, Jayaraman rued. “This is unfair,” he added.