Guwahati, June 17: Six days after a gas blowout at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) crude oil well in Assam’s Sivasagar district, operations to contain the leak remain ongoing, even as pressure builds—both underground and politically.
The leak at Well No. RDS-147A in the Rudrasagar oilfield, which began on June 12, forced the emergency evacuation of nearly 350 families from Bhatiapar Barichuk village. ONGC’s Executive Director and Assam Asset Manager Bhaskar Chowdhary Nettem on Tuesday gave a detailed update, assuring that gas pressure is decreasing and the situation is trending toward control.
“Gas pressure is coming down, which is a good sign. We are hopeful that the operation will be completed safely,” said Nettem. Five water pumps are currently dispersing leaked gas to reduce fire risks, and a dedicated firefighting unit remains on standby. Handheld detectors are monitoring atmospheric gas levels 24/7.
Nettem also apologized to residents, acknowledging the “fear and inconvenience” caused. He reaffirmed ONGC’s commitment to restoring normalcy and maintaining safety as top priorities.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced an interim financial assistance of ₹25,000 per displaced family, to be distributed from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He clarified that this was a temporary relief measure, not the final compensation package.
The state government, in coordination with ONGC, is managing relief camps with secure shelter, food, clean water, and basic supplies. ONGC has also set up round-the-clock medical camps, staffed with doctors and equipped with essential medicines.
The incident occurred during a zone transfer operation at the inactive well. According to ONGC, a logging perforation process triggered an uncontrolled high-pressure gas release, causing the blowout. The site was quickly secured and, fortunately, no fire or injuries have been reported.
However, questions are mounting over outsourcing practices and regulatory oversight. Congress MP and Assam state party chief Gaurav Gogoi wrote to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, demanding accountability. Gogoi raised concerns that the drilling operation was outsourced to a private contractor with a questionable safety record, allegedly linked to local political interests.
“This is a case of failed oversight. The company involved has a history of rig-related accidents. Entrusting such a sensitive operation to them is deeply irresponsible,” Gogoi wrote.
He further criticized the disruption caused to students in the area, citing difficulty in preparing for exams amid loud noise and toxic odors.
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed that containment operations are being continuously monitored at the national level. In a post on social media, Puri said ONGC had mobilized high-capacity fire pumps, frack pumps, mud systems, and personnel from across the country. Advanced techniques like junk pumping are being used, and international experts are being consulted.
A continuous water blanket is being maintained over the site to suppress ignition risk and cool the surrounding environment. Puri added that environmental safety is a top concern, and containment is progressing “under expert guidance.”
Gogoi also called on the Pollution Control Board to conduct continuous air quality monitoring and pushed for independent third-party testing of environmental data to ensure transparency and build public trust.
A formal investigation into the root cause of the blowout is underway. ONGC has promised full cooperation and ongoing communication with local authorities, media, and community leaders.
As containment continues, the incident has laid bare serious questions about industrial safety, regulatory accountability, and the social cost of energy extraction. For now, residents await both relief and answers.
