VASCO
There was a major scare in Matvem-Dabolim after a well was found contaminated with petroleum products and was later sealed by authorities.
Suspecting a leakage in the fuel pipelines of oil terminal companies, fire officials have asked owners of wells in close proximity not to use the water or cook.
The action to seal the well was taken after the panchayat body wrote to disaster management of the contamination of the well with petroleum products.
The fire department has sealed the well and has further advised people not to use the water and to refrain from cooking in close proximity of the well.
Earlier in the day, residents of Matve-Dabolim had complained about the contamination of the well to the local panch member Neelam Naik, who later alerted the Disaster Management Authority along with the Chicalim Bio Diversity Management Committee members.
When contacted, Vasco Fire Station Incharge Dilip Bicholkar said confirmed there had been some contamination of fuel in the water.
“We even checked and realised that the water was catching fire. We then informed the authorities concerned and relevant oil companies. Staff from oil companies and officials from the Dy Collector office and the panchayat arrived to the site and we are investigating the incident.”
“We feel that there could be a leakage in the fuel pipelines of the oil terminal companies and we have now advised the owners of wells not to use the water or cook in close proximity. We have also sealed the well which was found contaminated and we even checked other wells but they were found clear of contamination. We have presently sealed the well and the investigation will continue," said Bicholkar.
