It is learnt that a fortnight after wells were found contaminated with petroleum products at Matvem-Dabolim, the location where the fuel was leaking from the main fuel pipeline has been identified. It is understood that the pipeline was found to be corroded which according to preliminary investigation was the cause for the leakage. It must be said that the corrosion may not be localized and there could be more spots in the pipeline which have also corroded and could cause leakage in future. Periodic maintenance of the pipeline is essential in order to prevent reoccurrence of such incidents. Mormugao and Vasco could be sitting on a ticking time-bomb. Past fire incidents in the locality due to leakage of petroleum products should serve as an eye-opener. A comprehensive audit by a central agency under supervision of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) seems necessary. Based on the findings, the entire pipeline should be replaced taking into account the shelf-life of the pipe that has been used. The new pipeline needs to be corrosion-resistant. The state government needs to take proactive steps in order to prevent occurrence of such incidents.
