In a move to support families affected by an ONGC oil well blowout, the Assam government has announced financial relief of Rs 25,000 each for more than 350 impacted households. This aid comes as a part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to address the socio-economic fallout of the industrial accident.
ONGC Blowout Leaves Over 350 Families in Distress
The ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) blowout incident occurred in the Baghjan region earlier this year, resulting in massive environmental and livelihood disruptions. Flames and toxic emissions from the well severely affected nearby villages, forcing hundreds to evacuate.
Residents complained of health issues, crop damage, loss of livestock, and overall economic hardship. With no access to their homes or agricultural lands for weeks, many families remained dependent on temporary shelters and relief camps.
CM Sarma Vows Continued Support
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while announcing the aid, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to assist all those impacted.
“Each affected family will receive Rs 25,000 as immediate relief to meet essential needs. We are also working on a long-term rehabilitation plan,” said Sarma during a press interaction.
The Chief Minister added that this financial assistance is separate from any compensation that ONGC is liable to provide. He urged the oil company to expedite its internal compensation mechanisms and environmental remediation efforts.
Relief Distribution to Begin This Week
According to the Kamrup district administration, the aid distribution will begin later this week. Special counters will be set up in Baghjan and surrounding areas to ensure smooth disbursement. Local officials have already started verifying beneficiary lists to avoid duplication and ensure transparency.
State Revenue and Disaster Management Department officials confirmed that funds had already been transferred to the district treasury. Eligible families will receive the amount directly in their bank accounts under the DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) system.
Environmental Concerns Still Loom
While the financial aid is welcome, many activists and environmentalists continue to raise concerns about the long-term ecological impact of the blowout. Several hectares of farmland remain uncultivable, and water bodies are reportedly contaminated with petroleum residues.
Environmentalist and activist Dr. Nandini Choudhury said,
“Immediate aid is crucial, but the government must also prioritize soil and water testing, followed by cleanup drives. Local biodiversity has taken a severe hit.”
You can learn more about Assam’s environmental restoration efforts on the official portal.
Previous Blowout Incidents and Compensation Issues
This isn’t the first time ONGC has faced criticism in Assam. The 2020 Baghjan blowout was a stark reminder of the hazards linked to deep drilling in ecologically sensitive zones. Back then, residents had also faced prolonged delays in receiving compensation.
The current incident has sparked demands from opposition leaders and rights groups for stricter environmental monitoring and safety compliance.
“The state must hold corporations accountable. Financial aid is just the beginning,” said opposition MLA Rumi Nath.
Government Calls for Accountability
The Assam government has already written to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, demanding a full report from ONGC on the cause of the blowout and the steps taken since. A joint team from the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) and state officials is expected to visit the site next week for a fresh review.
For updates on disaster relief, visit Assam State Disaster Management Authority.
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