1. Substantial ‘heavy fuel’ leak reported from Leimakhong power station in Imphal West district, Manipur.
2. The incident occurred on the night of January 10th, 2024.
3. Contamination of nearby streams poses a significant threat to local communities and aquatic life.
Imphal, Jan 11: In Manipur, a pressing environmental issue has emerged following a substantial ‘heavy fuel’ leak from the Leimakhong power station situated in the Imphal West district.
The incident, which occurred on the night of January 10th, 2024, has resulted in the contamination of nearby streams that hold crucial importance for local communities and aquatic life.
Promptly responding to the reported leakage, the Manipur government has initiated urgent measures, directing all relevant departments to take immediate action. The spilled fuel has entered the streams flowing through the Imphal Valley, causing a potential threat to the surrounding environment.
An official government order stated, “Leakage of ‘heavy fuel’ from Leimakhong Power Station has been reported, leading to spillover of the discharge along streams passing through Kantosabal, Sekmai, etc. The stream meets the Imphal River downstream by flowing through Khurkhul-Loitang-Kameng-Iroisemba-Nambul.”
In response to the gravity of the situation, the government urged all concerned parties to swiftly undertake necessary actions to prevent an environmental calamity.
The directive emphasized utilizing all available resources, including machinery, manpower, and expertise. The state government emphasized the activation of response mechanisms and the immediate implementation of standard operating procedures designed for such events.
To facilitate coordination and effective response on the ground, the order specified, “Deputy Commissioner (Imphal West) shall coordinate in the field until further instructions.” This underscores the seriousness with which the government is approaching the situation, recognizing the need for a coordinated effort to mitigate the potential consequences of the fuel leak.
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Acknowledging the severity of the incident, Manipur Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) Minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei and Forest Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh conducted a late-night visit to the site.
This hands-on involvement from key government officials demonstrates a commitment to understanding the extent of the damage and facilitating a rapid and effective response to address the environmental impact caused by the ‘heavy fuel’ leak.
As the situation unfolds, it remains critical for all stakeholders to work collaboratively to contain the spill, minimize environmental damage, and implement preventive measures to safeguard the affected ecosystems and communities.
The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and proactive response protocols to mitigate the potential environmental repercussions of industrial activities.
