Paradip: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) served a notice on the Paradip oil refinery to check leakages of gas from the unit Tuesday.
The board’s directions came after residents of nearby villages complained of frequent incidents of gas leakage from the refinery.
The frequent leakages have also spread panic among the residents. In its direction, the OSPCB asked the refinery to take immediate corrective steps.
“Notice has been served on IOCL and it has been asked to take immediate corrective measures,” regional officer of OSPCB, Mukesh Mahaling, said.
Farmers from Trilochanpur, Narendrapur, Mangarajpur, Bhutamundei, Dhinkia, Gandikpur, Pipal, Biswali, Pitamberpur, Jagati, Patana, Gobindpur, Nuagaon and Gadkujang were the worst affected by the gas leakage.
The farmers who mostly took up betel farming complained that the leaves withered due to the frequent leakages. “Due to the emission of poisonous gases from the refinery and other factories, betel leaves are withering, which is hindering our cultivation,” a farmer complained.
Earlier, there was leakage of Hydrogen Sulphide from the refinery, Sunday, which continued till evening. After complaints from the locals, officials of the OSPCB reached the village and investigated the source of gas leak, tracing it to the refinery.
