Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has said it is working closely with the district administration, residents and statutory bodies following media reports of the alleged presence of traces of oil in domestic wells near a retail outlet operating in the Kannur Central Jail premises, even as public protests over delays in remedial action continue.
In an official response to the fuel contamination reports, Indian Oil said it had taken note of findings indicating the presence of hydrocarbons in certain wells near the outfall. Reiterating that public safety, environmental protection and operational integrity are of the utmost importance, the public sector oil major assured that, if warranted, appropriate action will be taken without delay based on verified findings in accordance with legal requirements and best industry practices.
The company also emphasized its core value of “Nation First” and said it is extending full cooperation to all participating agencies.
The statement came amid growing public concern in Pallikunnu’s Jaiajawan Road area, where residents claimed authorities had not acted decisively nearly a month after the contamination was first detected. Tests conducted by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) have found abnormally high levels of hydrocarbons in well water near a petrol pump, raising fears of serious health and environmental risks.
The issue surfaced after CH Surendran, a resident whose well water had become unusable, filed a complaint on December 15. PCB personnel inspected the site the following day and sent samples for laboratory analysis, which confirmed the presence of gasoline and diesel. The PCB subsequently informed the District Collector and IOCL in writing.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 21:24 IST