A massive blowout at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well in Assam’s Sivasagar district has led to an uncontrollable gas leak for the second consecutive day, raising fears among local residents and prompting swift action from emergency response teams.
The incident occurred on June 12, at a crude oil and gas extraction site in the Rudrasagar field, a key ONGC-operated zone in Upper Assam. The blowout released a high-pressure stream of natural gas into the air, disrupting operations and triggering environmental and safety concerns.
ONGC Confirms Emergency Situation
In an official statement released on Friday, ONGC authorities confirmed that efforts were underway to cap the leak and control pressure at the wellhead.
“A technical team from ONGC is working round the clock. Blowout Preventers (BOP) are being installed and we have engaged global well control experts to assist,” said a senior ONGC engineer from the site.
No injuries or casualties have been reported so far, but operations in the area remain suspended until the gas pressure is brought under control.
Blowout Details and Response
The blowout occurred during routine well operations, when sudden pressure buildup made it impossible to contain the gas. As per the initial assessment, a valve failure or geological pressure imbalance may have caused the incident.
Fire and emergency services, ONGC engineers, and disaster management teams have since cordoned off the area. As a precautionary measure, local authorities have begun evacuating nearby homes, and traffic has been diverted from the surrounding zones.
Environmental Concerns Mount
Environmental experts have flagged potential ecological threats due to the uncontrolled methane release, which poses both air quality and explosion risks.
The Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) has dispatched a monitoring team to evaluate the leak’s atmospheric impact. ONGC has also promised to conduct environmental assessments once the leak is under control.
A Repeat of Past Incidents?
The blowout has reminded many of the 2020 Baghjan disaster, another high-profile incident in Assam involving a gas leak and subsequent fire at an Oil India Limited well in Tinsukia. That incident had drawn widespread criticism and resulted in extensive environmental damage.
Locals and activists are calling for better regulation and improved safety mechanisms at oil and gas sites across Assam.
Assam Government Takes Note
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been briefed on the situation. The state government has instructed ONGC to ensure minimal environmental damage and provide real-time updates.
In a press release, the CM’s office said:
“The safety of our people and the environment is our top priority. We are monitoring the situation closely and have asked ONGC to speed up containment measures.”
The district administration in Sivasagar has activated a local control room and deployed police and paramilitary units to manage public movement in the area.
ONGC’s Emergency Measures
ONGC has mobilized crisis management teams, including experts from its Well Control Division and the Institute of Drilling Technology (IDT) in Dehradun. In addition, international well control companies have been contacted for technical support.
Drones are being used to assess gas flow patterns and thermal anomalies in real time. ONGC has also promised compensation if any property or livelihood losses are reported.
Local Communities Raise Concerns
Residents of nearby villages like Lakowa and Borpatra have expressed fear and demanded relocation until the site is stabilized.
A resident told a local outlet:
“We can hear the sound of gas rushing out from miles away. Many families have already left their homes out of fear of an explosion.”
Local NGOs and environmental groups have urged both the central and state governments to review energy drilling protocols in Assam’s ecologically sensitive zones.
Residents are advised to stay away from the Rudrasagar operational zone until official clearance is issued. For real-time updates, follow ONGC’s official site and the Assam Disaster Management Authority.
Stay informed. Stay safe.