Protest Erupts Over Oilmax Energy's CSR Response to Jorhat Flood Victims
Demonstration by Flood-Affected Residents
Flood victims stage demonstrations outside Oilmax Energy’s No. 6 oil-field facility at Seleng Tea Estate. (AT Photo)
Jorhat, Sept 30: Residents impacted by flooding in Mariani’s Selenghat protested against Oilmax Energy Pvt Ltd on Wednesday, claiming the company has not fulfilled its corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations following the catastrophic floods on July 19.
The demonstration was organized by the Selenghat regional committee of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) outside the No. 6 oil-field facility of Oilmax Energy, located at Seleng Tea Estate within the Amguri Oil Field in Jorhat district.
Protesters expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that despite the significant destruction caused by the Jaji River flooding, the company has not offered sufficient relief to the affected community.
One KMSS member remarked, “Oilmax Energy Pvt Ltd has been extracting oil from the No. 6 site of the Amguri Oil Field for years, yet it has not engaged in meaningful CSR activities in the local area.”
The protestor further noted that the company has not supported local educational institutions, contributed to community events, or aided in infrastructure development.
“The community is enduring severe hardships, and the company has not even attempted to communicate with us. The CSR funds that were promised have not been delivered,” the protestor stated.
Additionally, it was claimed that only a handful of flood-affected families received any assistance from the company, according to local testimonies.
The demonstrators have given Oilmax Energy a deadline of 10 days to provide relief to the flood-impacted residents in surrounding villages through its CSR initiatives.
“Should Oilmax Energy fail to deliver aid to the flood victims within this 10-day timeframe, we will have no choice but to halt the company’s operations,” warned a protestor.
They also indicated that if their demands remain unmet, a larger movement could be initiated, potentially disrupting activities at the oil field.
The floods from the Jaji River on July 19 had a devastating impact on the villages near the oil field, leaving many residents in dire situations, as claimed by the protestors, who also mentioned the company's lack of engagement with the affected individuals.
Oilmax Energy Pvt Ltd is a Mumbai-based company involved in the integrated oil and gas sector, focusing on exploration, production, and field development.
As of the time of reporting, the company had not released any statement regarding the protesters' demands.