Panic Erupts in Rajasthan Village as Crude Oil Seeps from Farmland
Panic has gripped Kau Kheda village in Rajasthan's Barmer district after the ground suddenly cracked, leading to crude oil seeping from a farmer's private field. The incident occurred near the Aishwarya Wellpad, operated by Cairn Oil & Gas, a unit of Vedanta Limited, causing significant distress among local residents.
Leak Persists for Over 72 Hours Despite Containment Efforts
The crude oil leak reportedly began on 23 February and has continued for nearly 72 hours, with oil still emerging from the ground on the third consecutive day. Company personnel have responded by digging a pit and using temporary arrangements to transfer the crude oil into tankers. So far, more than 50 tankers have been removed from the site, as experts from the company work diligently to control the persistent leak.
Farmer's Field Severely Damaged, Crops Destroyed
According to available information, the seepage started suddenly in the field of farmer Harjeeram Khoth, spreading across nearly one bigha of land. The company was promptly informed, leading to the arrival of a technical team of engineers at the spot. A trench of about 100 metres has been excavated near the leak to channel the oil into a pit, from where vacuum tankers are collecting it for removal.
The affected farmer has reported that his field has been severely damaged, with crops destroyed and the soil turning oily. He has demanded compensation for his losses, highlighting the economic impact on local agriculture.
Environmental and Safety Concerns Raised by Villagers
Villagers have raised alarming concerns about the environmental fallout from the leak. They allege that flammable gas emissions and crude oil mixed with groundwater have been detected in nearby tubewells, posing risks to water safety. Additionally, residents claim that frequent blasting in the area to maintain pressure has caused cracks in houses, creating fear and anxiety among the community.
Company Response and Precautionary Measures
The exact source of the leakage has not yet been identified, complicating containment efforts. As a precautionary measure, the company has temporarily halted oil production and stopped flow from nearby pipelines to prevent further escalation.
In a statement, a company spokesperson addressed the incident: "On 23 February 2026, a liquid leak occurred near Aishwarya Well Pad-08. The leak was confined to a very small area, which has been isolated to ensure public safety. Our technical and operations teams acted promptly to investigate the cause, secure the site, and begin liquid evacuation immediately."
The spokesperson further added: "We have implemented all necessary containment measures, and the surface soil from the affected area is being transported to our facility for safe disposal. Continuous monitoring of the site is underway, and further assessment and remediation actions are being conducted in accordance with applicable environmental norms and standard operating procedures. We have informed the relevant authorities and stakeholders about the incident."
Ongoing Efforts and Future Implications
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on:
- Containing the oil leak to prevent further environmental damage.
- Assessing the impact on local agriculture and compensating affected farmers.
- Addressing villagers' concerns about water contamination and structural damage to homes.
- Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations to restore safety in the area.
The incident underscores the challenges of oil extraction in sensitive regions and highlights the need for robust safety protocols to protect both people and the environment.
