India, Feb. 17 -- A dense cloud of gases was released from a flare chimney of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited's Assam Oil Division (AOD) Refinery in Digboi on Tuesday morning, covering parts of the township.

Residents reported mild throat irritation, eye discomfort, and breathing unease.

The plume, visible from several kilometres away, has raised questions about operational safeguards, emission control, and adherence to environmental standards.

Eyewitnesses described it as heavy and persistent, drifting over nearby residential areas. Many also noted a pungent odor accompanying the emission.

Executive Director-cum-Refinery Head Rahul Prasant said the release was part of normal refinery operations. "To maintain safe operations, accum...