JSW Steel pipeline burst damages crops and kills fish in Odisha

Residents of Patana in the Erasama block of Jagatsinghpur district have filed a written complaint alleging that a burst underground pipeline belonging to JSW Steel has caused significant environmental and agricultural damage.

The complainants state that a clay-like chemical substance leaked from the pipeline, spreading into nearby water bodies and agricultural fields. This leak reportedly resulted in the death of fish and damage to paddy seedlings. Local residents also alleged that contact with the contaminated water caused skin irritation, such as itching.

Villagers further accused JSW Steel of laying underground pipelines to transport iron ore to its 13.2-MTPA steel plant in Dhinkia without the consent or knowledge of landowners. They claim these actions violate several land acquisition and forest rights acts, as well as constitutional protections regarding the right to life and livelihood.

Erasama tehsildar Snigdha Shraddhanjali Behera has directed a revenue inspector to conduct an inquiry and submit a report regarding the incident.