Advocate Kamini Jaiswal has filed a public interest petition in the Supreme Court beseaching it to order the closure of underground gas pipelines till safety measures against leakages are ensured. Jaiswal claims that contractors to the Gas Authority of India and the Oil and Natural Gas Commission have flagrantly flouted safety norms in laying the pipes. Many fires accidents in various cities, espcially in Delhi, have been narrowly averted in the recent past.
GAIL specifications require that pipelines should be laid at least 5 feet below ground level, and have a minimum clearance of 20 inches from other obstacles, like drain pipes and telephone and electric cables. But photographs of pipe laying operations reveal that they were laid just 2 feet below the ground. Valves and high pressure connections have been left exposed at a number of places, which could lead to sabotage or accidents.
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.