Guwahati, July 24: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) contained a gas leak at Rudrasagar in Assam’s sivasagar district without any injuries, fatalities, or environmental damage, underscoring the effectiveness of the company’s safety protocols and rapid emergency response.
Responding to a starred question from Deputy Leader of Opposition Gaurav Gogoi regarding the incident, Puri said the gas release occurred on June 12 at ONGC’s Well RDS-147A in the Rudrasagar Oil Field in Sivasagar district. Specialised ONGC teams, in coordination with the district administration and supported by international well control experts, brought the well under control by June 27.
Puri said no toxic emissions, fire, or casualties occurred during the incident. Gas analysis showed the release consisted of 97.5% non-toxic methane, with no traces of hydrogen sulphide or liquid hydrocarbons. Throughout the operation, environmental parameters, including air and noise quality, were monitored by the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) and remained within limits prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Drinking water and agriculture in the area were unaffected.
As a precautionary measure, around 1,500 residents from nearby villages were temporarily relocated to nine relief camps. The district administration, with support from ONGC and the state government, provided food, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and medical services in the camps. Financial relief of ₹25,000 was distributed to each of the 357 affected families through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. ONGC also deployed medical teams, distributed essential supplies, and coordinated restoration of flood-damaged embankments.
Once the well was safely sealed, all displaced families returned to their homes, and normal use of LPG and electricity resumed. ONGC and local officials engaged directly with communities to ease concerns and assist with resettlement. More than 3,000 safety masks and earplugs were distributed to reduce discomfort caused by odour or noise.
The Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched an enquiry into the incident. Preliminary findings confirmed that safety procedures were strictly followed and that the incident had no impact on public health or the environment.
Puri also emphasised the government’s broader focus on safety and modernisation in the oil and gas sector. Over the past five years, ONGC has completed nine major infrastructure projects nationwide, with a total investment of ₹8,416 crore. In Assam, ongoing and completed projects include a ₹277 crore pipeline network in Geleky, ₹119 crore gas compression plant in Lakwa, and ₹344 crore pipeline project in Rudrasagar. A new ₹164 crore gas compressor plant in Geleky is currently under development.
“These investments reflect the government’s long-term commitment to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible hydrocarbon operations in Assam,” Puri said and added, “We are working to harness the region’s resource potential in a sustainable and technically sound manner that prioritises both economic growth and public welfare.”
