Motorists complain of ‘oil rain’ in India

A man feeds seagulls as he stands on the banks of Yamuna river, on a smoggy morning in New Delhi, India on 24 October 2020Reuters

Just as the drizzle started in the city on Sunday evening, the Delhi Fire Department started receiving multiple calls reporting “oil rain” from all over the city and were investigating, amid some roads being closed after bikers slipped.

“We are receiving calls from all parts of Delhi about oil rain and so far, we have responded to more than 40 calls,” a senior Fire Department officer said.

Another official said that these calls were reported from all directions, and began after the drizzle started at around 5 p.m.

Police had to close one of the roads leading to Jamia Nagar opposite the Holy Family Hospital in south Delhi after some bikers slipped on the road.

The Fire Brigade was seen responding to one such call in nearby New Friends Colony. A senior police officer said that a call of oil spill was received after which the Fire Department was informed.

“Many bikers slipped and fell on the road because of the slippery oil-like material spilled on the road. As a precautionary measure, the Fire Brigade was called and the road was washed,” one of the callers told IANS.

Further investigation is underway.