Guwahati, June 21: The gas blowout at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) well RDS#147A in Bhatiapar, Sivasagar district, entered its 10th day on Saturday, with the company claiming significant progress in containment operations. According to ONGC, the gas flow rate has reduced considerably, marking a key development in efforts to control the situation.
An official statement from ONGC confirmed the arrival of an international expert team from CUDD Pressure Control, USA, who conducted a preliminary assessment and reviewed the steps taken so far. The experts reportedly endorsed ONGC’s strategy and operational measures, and a joint plan has been formulated to move into the next phase.
“Site preparations are underway, including the removal of tubulars from the well and the deployment of cranes to clear equipment from the rig floor. Water blanketing around the clock continues as a precautionary measure, while flood-level monitoring of the nearby Dikhow River is ongoing,” the oil major said.
ONGC also stated that real-time monitoring of gas levels through air detectors is in place to ensure safety. Medical assistance is being provided at the relief camp set up for affected residents.
Meanwhile, more than 300 local residents, led by the All Assam Tai Ahom Students’ Union (AATASU), staged a one-hour protest at ONGC’s Assam Asset office in Nazira, demanding compensation and long-term healthcare support. AATASU general secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Borgohain criticized both ONGC and the district administration for what he described as indifference to the plight of affected people.
Borgohain said residents have been unable to cook food due to gas risks and are facing a rise in health issues, including skin and heart ailments. He added that sound pollution from the blowout site is also taking a toll on residents, especially children.
He further alleged that the contractor operating the well, SK Petro, had violated safety norms and used unskilled labour, which may have contributed to the incident. AATASU demanded the arrest of SK Petro’s owner Krishna Agarwal and blacklisting of the firm, along with a high-level inquiry into the blowout.
According to Borgohain, each affected family has received ₹25,000 from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and is being provided with two meals daily by the district administration. However, he said this support is inadequate, and ONGC must take responsibility for agricultural losses, livestock deaths, and the broader health impact of the incident.
AATASU has submitted memorandums to the District Commissioner, the Executive Director of ONGC’s Assam Asset, and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, seeking written assurances on their demands.
