Jatinga River Formalin Leak: 2-Day Water Ban in Dima Hasao After Toxic Tanker Accident
Jatinga River Formalin Leak: Urgent Health Advisory Issued After Toxic Chemical Spill in Dima Hasao
Haflong, July 3, 2026: In a major environmental scare, the Jatinga River has been contaminated following a formalin-laden tanker accident on National Highway-27 near Jatinga Bridge in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued a strict public safety advisory, urging residents to avoid using river water for the next two days.
The tanker, bearing registration number NL01A 3886 (also referred as NL01AE3886), was transporting formalin from Namrup to Tripura when it crashed around 4 PM on Thursday between Jatinga and Jatinga Lampu. Two chambers of the tanker were damaged, causing the hazardous chemical to leak into a nearby stream that flows directly into the Jatinga River.
Safety Advisory for Jatinga River Stretch
As a precautionary measure, the DDMA has directed all residents living along the Jatinga River from Jatinga Bridge to Harangajao not to use river water for:
- Drinking or cooking
- Bathing, washing, or any domestic purposes
- Feeding cattle, livestock, or pets
- Irrigation by farmers
- Swimming, fishing, or consuming aquatic life
The advisory also extends concerns downstream as the Jatinga River flows into Cachar district before joining the Barak River near Jatingamukh. Borkhola Police in the Barak Valley have issued similar cautions to locals.
Health Risks from Formalin Exposure
Formalin, an aqueous solution of formaldehyde, is highly irritating and toxic. Exposure to contaminated water can cause eye and skin irritation, breathing difficulties, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Authorities have asked people experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical help.
The chemical spill also poses serious threats to aquatic life, livestock, and the overall environment. DDMA has appealed to the public to stay calm, follow official updates, and avoid spreading unverified information.
Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, confirmed the incident and monitoring efforts are underway to mitigate the impact.
Stay tuned for updates on the Jatinga River formalin leak situation. Authorities are closely monitoring water quality and will lift the advisory only after thorough assessment confirms safety.
This is a developing story. For official information, rely only on DDMA, Dima Hasao updates.
