Groundwater gushes out near Surat,locals rush out scared

On Tuesday,a team of geologists and environmentalists took water samples from the area for lab analysis but they are still to reach a conclusion.

A few days ago,water started oozing out from non-functional bore well pumps at several spots near a cyanide factory.

Later,groundwater started gushing out into a few houses,the taluka primary school and various other places.

“Now,water has started oozing out in our houses and at many other spots on barren lands. Officials just come and take away water samples for lab analysis,” said Sajid Malek,a resident.

Sources said there are 17 gas wells operational in Olpad town of which 12 are run by NAICO and five by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd. ONGC officials have even set up a temporary mobile laboratory on the spot in to carry out tests.

Environmental experts say that due to the presence of a large number of gas bores in Olpad town,the gas being taken out from deep into the ground leaves cavities,perhaps affecting the internal landscape in the region as also the groundwater levels and its movement.

According to sources,district officials have warned the residents not to use the water for household activities as it may contain harmful chemicals.

A team of geologists has submitted an interim report to the district collector,saying the eruption of groundwater with high pressure could be because of phenomenal changes in the shallow gas well.

Olpad mamlatdar R D Jadav said a team from ONGC is also on the spot and “we are waiting for a report by the geologists’ team”.