ONGC Calls Global Experts to Contain Assam Gas Well Blowout

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Assam gas well blowout
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The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has enlisted international experts to control a weeklong gas well blowout in Assam’s Sivasagar district. The blowout at the Baghjan-17 well has triggered alarm among residents. And officials due to its uncontrolled gas leakage and associated environmental concerns.

The incident, which began last week, has led to the evacuation of nearby villages, with emergency teams working round the clock to contain the high-pressure leak.

ONGC Seeks International Expertise for Crisis

Recognising the complexity of the blowout, ONGC has reached out to well control experts from the US and Singapore. Known for handling similar high-risk oil and gas emergencies.

“We have mobilised a team of global specialists who bring decades of experience in blowout control. Their immediate priority is to cap the well safely without triggering fire or further leakage,” said an ONGC spokesperson in a press briefing on Tuesday.

The international crew is expected to implement advanced snubbing and kill operations while coordinating with ONGC’s own Crisis Management Team (CMT).

Local Impact: Evacuations and Health Precautions

The blowout has caused significant disruption in the surrounding areas, with over 500 people from nearby villages being moved to relief camps. Residents have reported symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and eye irritation due to gas exposure.

Dr. Jiten Kalita, a medical officer stationed at the relief camp in Lakowa, said, “Most of the symptoms are related to prolonged inhalation of hydrocarbon gases. We are providing medical aid and masks to reduce further exposure.”

The district administration has also deployed mobile health units. And air quality sensors have been installed in a 5-km radius.

Environmental Concerns Under Scrutiny

Environmentalists have raised red flags over the potential long-term impact of the gas release. The well site is situated near the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rich biodiversity.

“The uncontrolled emission of gas and condensates could have a severe effect on flora, fauna, and groundwater. Immediate capping is necessary. But a post-crisis environmental audit must follow,” said Prerna Gogoi, an environmental activist based in Dibrugarh.

Experts fear that without timely containment, contamination of nearby water bodies and soil could occur, jeopardising both agriculture and wildlife.

ONGC Responds with Relief and Compensation

To support the affected families, ONGC has announced a preliminary compensation of ₹1 lakh per household, along with temporary accommodation, food, and healthcare.

“We understand the hardship villagers are facing. Our priority remains safety and timely containment. We are working closely with local authorities to restore normalcy,” said ONGC Director (Onshore) P. S. Rawat.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also visited the site and urged ONGC to expedite its efforts while ensuring complete transparency in operations. He assured state support in managing the crisis.

Similar Past Incidents Prompt Safety Audit

This is not the first such incident in Assam. A similar blowout at the Baghjan oil field in Tinsukia in 2020 led to massive fire damage and ecological disruption. Further, that event had prompted ONGC and Oil India Limited (OIL) to revise standard safety protocols.

Following the current blowout, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has called for an internal safety audit of all high-pressure gas wells across Assam.

A senior official from the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) said, “The recurrence of such incidents is a matter of serious concern. Moreover, a technology-driven safety overhaul is long overdue.”

Residents in affected areas are urged to follow evacuation guidelines and report any symptoms to the nearest health camp. Besides, for updates on relief and containment efforts, visit ongcindia.com and assam.gov.in.

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