A major gas blowout at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) Rudrasagar oil field in the Sivasagar district continues unabated for the fourth consecutive day, sparking concern among locals and prompting a large-scale evacuation.
The incident occurred at Well No. RDS-147 (Rig SKP-135) in Bhatia Para at approximately 11:45 a.m. on 12 June, during routine servicing operations. Since then, all attempts by ONGC’s crisis-management teams to contain the leak have yielded limited progress.
While no fire or casualties have been reported so far, the well continues to release gas under high pressure, producing a constant hissing sound and strong petroleum odour that has alarmed nearby communities.
Officials say the risk of ignition remains, and operations are being conducted with extreme caution.
As a precaution, more than 1,200 residents from approximately 137 households within a one-kilometre radius of the site have been evacuated to relief camps set up in Bongaon and Bhatia Para.
Relief measures, including cooked food, clean drinking water, medical support, and police security, are in place. However, evacuees have voiced concerns over inadequate basic amenities and a slow response to their grievances.
Sivasagar Deputy Commissioner Ayush Garg assured the public that every effort is being made to bring the situation under control. “Technical teams from ONGC, SDRF, NDRF, and local emergency services are working together to secure the well. We urge people to remain outside the danger zone and comply with safety advisories,” he said.
ONGC has confirmed that a "well-killing" operation—designed to stop the uncontrolled gas release using specialised fluids—is currently underway. Further technical efforts are expected to resume at dawn, but no definitive timeline has been given for successful containment.
The blowout has drawn comparisons with the devastating Baghjan gas leak of 2020, leading to mounting frustration among local residents. Many have demanded swift action and better facilities at the relief camps.
District authorities have set a three-day deadline to stabilise the situation and improve living conditions, warning that stronger administrative measures will be taken if there is no visible progress.
As containment efforts continue, both ONGC and the local administration remain under scrutiny to ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities.
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