Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday assured the public that Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has adopted a “practical and safer strategy” to control the ongoing gas leak at its Sivasagar well site. Over 50% of the groundwork has been completed, and strict safety monitoring continues.
CM Reviews ONGC’s Response at Leak Site
The Chief Minister visited the blowout site in Sivasagar to assess the progress of ONGC’s containment measures. Speaking to reporters, he said,
“ONGC has taken a cautious and technically sound route. Their approach avoids unnecessary risks and prioritises safety. We are satisfied with the pace and care being taken.”
The CM added that the state disaster management team, along with local administration, is fully engaged to ensure no harm reaches nearby villages.
What Happened at the Site?
The gas leak began over a week ago at one of ONGC’s wells in the Rudrasagar field in Sivasagar district. While there has been no explosion or fire, the leak has raised serious concerns over air and water contamination in the area.
To read about the initial ONGC blowout report, click here.
ONGC quickly mobilised international well control experts and started preparations to cap the leak. Officials confirmed that no loss of life or livestock has been reported so far.
ONGC’s Revised Approach: Slow but Safe
According to engineers on-site, the revised strategy involves reducing underground pressure gradually rather than rushing to cap the well. This process ensures that the chances of an accidental fire are nearly zero.
“The earlier approach was more aggressive. After technical evaluation and environmental consultation, ONGC switched to a low-risk containment model,” said an official from the Ministry of Petroleum.
ONGC has also installed round-the-clock gas detectors and flame arrestors around the area to ensure real-time monitoring.
Environmental Safety Comes First
Environmental groups had raised concerns about the impact of the leak on local flora, fauna, and agriculture. However, the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA), in its preliminary findings, reported no toxic release into water bodies near the site.
To read the PCBA’s ongoing environment reports, visit pcbassam.org.
“Though the smell is strong, the leak is largely limited to gas and not oil. Air dispersion modelling is being used to track gas spread,” a PCBA official said.
Local Residents Remain Cautious
Villagers in nearby areas such as Demow and Ligiripukhuri remain anxious. Several families have temporarily relocated due to the smell and fear of sudden escalation. The district administration is running awareness drives and health check-up camps to address local concerns.
“We don’t want a repeat of Baghjan,” said a resident, referring to the 2020 Assam gas well tragedy. You can read about Baghjan’s environmental damage here.
CM Appeals for Calm and Cooperation
CM Sarma urged residents to stay calm and trust the government’s coordination with ONGC.
“The situation is under control. We expect full containment in the next few days if the weather permits,” he said.
He also praised ONGC engineers for their “diligent and disciplined” work under pressure.
What’s Next?
The final phase of capping will involve cementing the wellhead and testing gas pressure levels. ONGC expects to complete the full containment operation by the end of this month if conditions remain stable.
Call to Action:
Stay alert, follow local advisories, and report any health symptoms to nearby camps. Assam’s safety is a shared responsibility.