AN OIL spill from an
ageing section of the
Nurlino-Novosibirsk
pipeline, running
along the Belaya
river in the Russian
region of Bashkortostan, which
was earlier thought to be
of meagre dimensions, is now
assuming gigantic
proportions. While it was
believed that the
leak, which was
discovered just before
the New Year, could
be contained, it
has already wreaked
havoc in the villages adjoining the
southern Ural mountains by
contaminating their water supply.
Workers equipped with
oil-clearing devices appeared to
be fighting a losing battle as the oil
spill threatened to
move under the ice of
the Belaya river
which could lead to
the contamination
of the mighty Volga
river. The leak has
turned the spotlight
on Russia's
abysmal state of
pipeline systems. The
post-Soviet era has
seen Russia's
oil production being
split between 16
companies with poor
investment in
the maintenance of
pipelines and
equipment.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.