Erosion-hit villagers stall OIL functioning

Guwahati, May 4 (UNI) Operations of the state-run Oil India Limited (OIL) have been stalled for several months in the wake of protests by erosion-hit villagers at Dibrugarh in Upper Asom.

For the second time in two days, OIL officials were today prevented from working at the three wells at Khagorijan.

Hundreds of villagers gathered at the Rohmoria area, protesting the alleged failure of the government to initiate adequate erosion-control measures.

'' The OIL authorities have agreed to construct dampeners (erosion preventive structures) along the Brahmaputra in the Rohmoria area. But even after more than two years of the assurance, the OIL has been casual to the devastation, caused by the Brahmaputra in the area, '' the protesters averred.

The massive erosion, caused by the river in the Rohmoria area, had washed away more than a dozen villages and several tea gardens.

Significantly, functioning of the three oil wells at Khagorijan area had been stalled since several months due to the agitation.

When on operation, the three wells produce about 243 KLT oil everyday.

The OIL authorities, accompanied by security men, tried to resume work at the wells even yesterday, but they were prevented by the villagers from doing so.

UNI