Yet another ONGC pipeline leakage in E. Godavari

A leak was reported from the gas pipeline from the Kesavadasupalem well-4 in the Sakhinetipalli mandal of East Godavari on Monday. The leak was capped by afternoon after the emergency technical team of the ONGC had moved in. They closed the four pipelines in the well.

Residents of Kesavadasupalem, who heard a hissing sound, reached the agriculture field from where the gas was leaking and alerted the ONGC officials. Gas combined with some crude oil leaked into the paddy field as the pipelines were laid through it.

The ONGC said reverse pressure was suspected to be the reason for the leak.

Terming it a minor incident, Executive Director and Asset Manager of the ONGC, Rajamahendravaram Asset, D.M.R. Sekhar said the pipeline was corroded and worn out. Measures were being taken to replace all the old pipelines in phases in Konaseema.

According to him, four gas producing agencies had 840 km of pipelines in the State with GAIL maintaining 620 km and the ONGC 220 km.

Mr. Sekhar said apart from precautions such as regular maintenance of pipeline valves and line walk for vulnerable area detection, awareness was being created among local people to be wary of any leak. Precautionary measures were being taken before they were rectified.

One incident every

third month

Earlier three incidents were reported from the mandal, particularly near the village. All the three were minor incidents as the leakage had been capped within one hour.

However, on June 5, the leak near the drilling site at Antarvedi in East Godavari district had created panic among the public. It took place when the ONGC technicians were inspecting the pipelines. Gas started leaking from a pipeline passing through the fields behind a school. It was arrested two hours later.

Antarvedi and Antervedi kara hamlets in the Sakhinetipalli mandal witness leakages as the pipelines are old and corroded. Also due to presence of water in the gas, the pipelines get rusted. ‘Cathodic Protection’ is being applied to prevent corrosion.

In recent times, leaks are occurring in Konaseema and the local farmers and public are demanding permanent measures as they are damaging their agriculture fields. They are also demanding heavy compensation from the ONGC. “A high-level committee with local MP, MLA and other public representatives and police, revenue officials on one side and the ONGC officials on the other side should be formed and they should settle the issue permanently,” said Gollapalli Suryarao, MLA, Razole constituency.

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