Kozhikode: The diesel leakage at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) in Elathur was caused by a malfunctioning sensor gauge during fuel filling, according to the District Disaster Management Department. The fuel leakage was attributed to a mechanical/electronic failure. Approximately 1500 litres of fuel leaked, and contamination was found in an area spanning from 800 metres to one kilometre.

A high-level committee, comprising officials from the Revenue, Health, Pollution Control Board, Fire and Rescue, Factories and Boilers and Kozhikode Corporation, has been formed to assess the situation, as announced by Forest and Wildlife Minister A K Saseendran. The District Collector, Snehil Kumar Singh, will oversee the committee's work.

The Collector stated that action would be taken under the Environmental Protection Act and Pollution Control Board regulations, and cases have already been registered under Sections 92 and 96 of the Factories Act. A show-cause notice has also been issued to the institution.

The officials from the high-level committee visited the site on Thursday and Friday to assess the situation, and the Collector also held discussions with HPCL officials.

The Collector directed Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited to take all necessary actions to prevent further leakage and ensure that the diesel does not reach nearby water bodies. The storage containers are leak-proof, and the company has been instructed to ensure no further leakage and comply with all safety and environmental conditions before resuming operations.

HPCL informed that the fuel overflowed through the manhole due to a technical failure in the instrumentation system.

Around 10,000 litres of diesel and water have been safely transferred to storage tanks and drums at a secure location.