Baghjan sees large-scale death of birds animals and also trees

DOOMDOOMA: The raging fire at Oil India Limited (OIL)'s BGN-5 blowout well at Baghjan under Doomdooma Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC) in Tinsukia district, that completed the 100th day on Tuesday since the fire engulfed the site on June 9, is yet to be extinguished totally and consequently, the whole area has been impacted by the spewing of the gas.

The condensates have spread on households and cultivable lands resulting in large-scale damage of its biodiversity and death of birds and animals. Besides putting the dwelling houses and the household properties in its neighbourhood on flames, it has rendered the cultivable lands unfit for raising crops. The affected families that have taken shelter in the relief camps since the blowout took place on May 27 are yet to receive any compensation from the OIL authority. So they are passing through their days in great uncertainty.

On the other hand, the emergence of the gas and condensates had its bearing on the environment as the Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary and Maguri Motapung Beel are situated just on its outskirts. According to eye witness reports, besides dead trees, the carcasses of the birds and animals are seen lying scattered at many places. Worse still is the animals giving birth to stillborn calves. Again, of late there is report of people of the area suffering from unknown diseases. It is, therefore, proof enough that the whole region has become highly polluted and has become unsafe for habitation. Now the people have alleged that OIL was giving importance to production only. If this state of affairs continues, the area will become unfit for habitation for long.

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