Gomia (Bokaro): The situation remained sensitive at ONGC’s Khudgadda Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Gas Collecting Station in Gomia, Bokaro district, on Thursday after local landholders blocked the plant’s main gate over employment demands.
The protest began at around 5 am following prior notice from the local landholders. The blockade prevented the movement of employees in and out of the plant, affecting the scheduled change of shifts.
Night Shift Workers Remain Inside the Plant
Due to the blockade at the main gate, the night-shift personnel deployed for security and plant operations could not be replaced by incoming employees.
Workers who had been on duty since Wednesday night remained inside the facility. The situation has raised concerns over the continued operation of the sensitive and pressurised gas plant if the shift change is delayed for a prolonged period.
Concerns Over Energy Ganga Pipeline Supply
The Khudgadda CBM plant is connected to the Jagdishpur-Haldia and Dhamra pipeline network under the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project. Gas produced at the facility is supplied to the national pipeline grid.
If the stalemate continues and production or gas feeding is disrupted, concerns have been raised over the possible impact on local industries and GAIL’s supply network. There are also concerns that a prolonged disruption could affect industrial users, CNG stations and domestic PNG supply connected to the Energy Ganga pipeline network.
Police and Administration Deployed at the Site
In view of the situation, the Gomia police station officer-in-charge, Tenughat police station officer-in-charge, Gomia Circle Inspector and a deputed magistrate were present at the site.
Around 20 to 30 police personnel and Home Guard personnel were also deployed. Administrative and police officials were holding talks with the protesters in an effort to clear the blockade and restore normal access to the plant.
Protest Continues in Protected Area
According to the information provided, the plant premises have been declared a prohibited area under the Jharkhand State Protected Places Act, 1979, by the state’s Home, Prison and Disaster Management Department.
Despite talks with officials, the protesting local landholders remained firm on their employment demands. The administration continued efforts to resolve the situation through dialogue and restore access through the main gate.
