A dispute over alleged chemical pollution from an ONGC drilling project triggered protests in Khedabari under Sonamura subdivision on Thursday, with farmers and fish cultivators demanding compensation for losses they claimed were caused by contaminated water.

The protesters gathered outside the project premises and blocked the main entrance, alleging that wastewater from the drilling operation had entered surrounding agricultural plots and nearby ponds.

According to the affected residents, wastewater and chemical residues generated during drilling are kept in a storage tank inside the project area. They alleged that heavy rain in recent days caused the tank to overflow, resulting in polluted water flowing into adjoining fields and water bodies.

Farmers claimed that standing crops were damaged after the water entered their fields and expressed concern that the quality of the affected soil could also have been compromised. Fish farmers, meanwhile, alleged that several ponds were contaminated and a significant quantity of fish died following the suspected pollution.

Residents also complained of an unusual chemical and fuel-like odour in the affected water. They raised concerns about the possible impact on aquatic life as well as the safety of fish that may have survived.

The protesters alleged that they had previously approached the concerned authorities and ONGC officials regarding the issue but were dissatisfied with the response. They therefore blocked the project gate to demand immediate intervention and compensation.

The affected farmers called for a scientific assessment of the contaminated areas, proper evaluation of crop and fishery losses, and measures to prevent further discharge of wastewater into nearby fields and ponds.

They warned that the agitation could intensify if their demands are not addressed promptly. For many of the affected families, agriculture and fish farming are major sources of income, making the alleged pollution a serious livelihood concern.

The matter has reportedly been brought to the attention of the local administration. However, ONGC's response to the allegations was not available at the time of reporting.

The actual source of the contamination, the nature of the suspected pollutants and the extent of the alleged damage will need to be established through an official inspection and scientific testing.