Merapani Locals Rise Up Against ONGC Over Toxic Spill, Farmland Damage

Following similar unrest in Sivasagar, residents of Kheroni village in Merapani have launched a protest against Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), accusing the company of damaging agricultural land by releasing chemically contaminated water.

On Wednesday morning, villagers staged a blockade at ONGC’s Oil Well No. 10, using bamboo barricades to obstruct vehicle movement. The protest erupted after contaminated water, allegedly released from the oil well, spread into adjacent farmlands, causing extensive crop damage.

According to local residents, this is not the first such incident. They claim that chemical-laden wastewater from ONGC’s reservoir has previously breached containment on two separate occasions, flooding nearby agricultural land. Despite lodging complaints, villagers allege that ONGC failed to take any corrective action.

The most recent incident occurred on Tuesday night, when the reservoir reportedly overflowed again, contaminating the surrounding fields. Enraged by repeated negligence, the villagers said they were left with no option but to protest.

Protesters are now demanding a permanent solution to the issue and appropriate compensation for the affected farmers. They have urged ONGC to take responsibility for the environmental damage and ensure such incidents do not recur.

Also Read: 3 Hospitalised After Prolonged Gas Leak at ONGC Site in Sivasagar