Deccan Herald News Service July 19, 2000
Pumping of iron ore stopped in Kudremukh
The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited has stopped pumping of iron ore through its pipeline as spillage had been noticed
due to a hole in the pipeline in Karkala Taluk.
KIOCL Executive Director Thyagarajan told Deccan Herald here today that the company had identified the spillage spot two
days ago and the repair works were going on.
He said the computerised automation system had showed that the dip in pressure following which the company had immediately
plunged into action and indetied the hole in the network. He said the hole might have occurred due to the corrosive nature of
the iron ore slurry.
Pointing out that some of the pipes were 20-year-old, he said the company had undertaken a programme to change the pipeline
where ever there was a need. As per its programme, it was supposed to replace 7.5 kms of pipeline in a few months.
Mr Thyagarajan denied allegations that spillage was still being reported. We have already stopped pumping the ore. Besides,
ore is our life and blood and we cannot afford to spill them. It is not like the water leaking from water-supply pipeline,he said.
Meanwhile an environmental support group Nagarika Seva Trust has alleged that the spillage of ore is still on and urged the
Pollution Control Board to conduct an inquiry into the mater and direct the KIOCL to contain the damage.