OIL’s crude exploration blasts damage homes near Bhitarkanika
Kendrapada: Residents of several villages near Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district have reported structural damage to their homes following high-intensity blasts conducted by Oil India Limited (OIL) for crude oil exploration.
The explosions, carried out on Monday and Tuesday, have caused cracks in the walls and floors of around 12 houses in Gualai, Tarasa, Mahurigaon and Ostia villages. Affected residents staged a protest at Gualasingh village on Tuesday, demanding compensation.
“My pucca house developed cracks due to blasts,” said Pramod Nayak of Guali, who participated in the protest by lying down in front of an OIL vehicle.
Dilip Swain, project manager of OIL, Kendrapada, said the company is conducting a 15-day survey using 3D seismic technologies, which involves drilling 90 wells to a depth of 22 metres near the Baitarani river. “We have obtained necessary permissions from the mining department and district administration. We will pay proper compensation to affected people,” Swain said.
However, controversy has emerged over environmental clearance to the exploration. Manas Das, assistant chief conservator of Bhitarkanika, said that OIL has not obtained permission for its survey activities. He cited a recent draft notification by the ministry of forest, environment and climate change that designates 209 villages around Bhitarkanika as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).
Environmental activist Hemant Rout, secretary of Gahirmatha Marine Turtles and Mangrove Conservation Society, pointed out that oil exploration activities are prohibited in an ESZ. “These illegal blasting operations could severely impact the ecology and wildlife of Bhitarkanika,” he said.
The explosions, carried out on Monday and Tuesday, have caused cracks in the walls and floors of around 12 houses in Gualai, Tarasa, Mahurigaon and Ostia villages. Affected residents staged a protest at Gualasingh village on Tuesday, demanding compensation.
“My pucca house developed cracks due to blasts,” said Pramod Nayak of Guali, who participated in the protest by lying down in front of an OIL vehicle.
Dilip Swain, project manager of OIL, Kendrapada, said the company is conducting a 15-day survey using 3D seismic technologies, which involves drilling 90 wells to a depth of 22 metres near the Baitarani river. “We have obtained necessary permissions from the mining department and district administration. We will pay proper compensation to affected people,” Swain said.
However, controversy has emerged over environmental clearance to the exploration. Manas Das, assistant chief conservator of Bhitarkanika, said that OIL has not obtained permission for its survey activities. He cited a recent draft notification by the ministry of forest, environment and climate change that designates 209 villages around Bhitarkanika as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).
Environmental activist Hemant Rout, secretary of Gahirmatha Marine Turtles and Mangrove Conservation Society, pointed out that oil exploration activities are prohibited in an ESZ. “These illegal blasting operations could severely impact the ecology and wildlife of Bhitarkanika,” he said.
