Imphal: Violence-hit Manipur reported another oil spill incident from the Iril river at Dolaithabi Dam under Sagolmang Police Station in Imphal East District on Wednesday, the first being the heavy fuel leakage from Leimakhong Power Station, Imphal West District on January 10.
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The villagers of Litanpokpi Mairelpat near Dolaithabi Dam came across an oil like substance floating on the Iril River which runs through the village in the morning. The black colour substance looks like charcoal powder. It has no odour, and looks soluble and non-toxic. However, experts said laboratory test will give the final confirmation.
Soon videos went viral on social media following which top police and relevant government officials including staff of PHED rushed to the site for inspection and collected samples for testing. Locals who depend on the river water for domestic use expressed apprehension that the substance may render the river water toxic. The Dolaithabi Dam was closed down immediately to stop spreading of the unconfirmed substance to other parts of the state.
Meanwhile, State Public Health Engineering Department issued a press release which says, “It has been circulated in certain sections of social media platforms that oil-like substances are found floating on Iril river near the upstream of Dolaithabi Dam. On receiving the information, L Susindro Meitei, Minister PHE and CAF & PD, DC, Imphal East and SP, Imphal East, officials of the Public Health Engineering Department and Directorate of Environment & Climate Change rushed to the spot for inspection. Officials of PHED and the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change have collected the water samples from different locations and the samples have been sent for further testing to the respective laboratories. On preliminary testing, it has been found that all the parameters required for testing of samples available at the Lab facilities were found within the permissible limit for untreated water. However, the sample will be sent to advanced Laboratories for further testing if the need arises. In the meantime, it is to appeal to all the villagers residing in nearby areas to remain vigilant and report to the Government authorities of any such suspicious incident.”
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