Andhra Pradesh pipeline explosion: GAIL blast has Telangana in dilemma

Hyderabad: The Telangana government is deeply concerned over the Gail pipeline blast in East Godavari district.

The government is in the process of finalising the gas pipeline project between Paradip refinery in Odisha to Telangana districts to meet the future demands of the new state. But in the wake of the recent tragedy they anticipate trouble from locals.

Read: GAIL pipeline incident: 15 people charred to death in the explosion

The Indian Oil Corporation had come forward to install a gas pipeline from its Paradip refinery to Telangana districts, if the state government allots land.

The government needs to acquire hundreds of acres. Officials feel that it would be tough for government to convince the public on acquiring land and executing the project. But people are concerned over safety issues following the spate of gas pipeline accidents in coastal AP in the last two decades resulting in loss of property and lives.

Read: Gas Authority of India Limited to replace entire pipeline

The death toll in the GAIL pipeline explosion has risen to 17 with two more fire victims succumbing to their injuries while undergoing treatment at Apollo at Kakinada on Friday.

According to revenue authorities, one Rayudu Suryanarayana, 20 who was a contract worker at ONGC succumbed to his burns. Another deceased was identified as Tatikayala Sreeja Lakshmi Durga, 4. As many as 20 affected persons are undergoing medical treatment at several hospitals in East Godavari.

Also read: Andhra Pradesh pipeline explosion: Sabotage angle ruled out