As a gas blowout at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) Rudrasagar field in Assam’s Sivasagar district enters its fifth day, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday urged the Union Ministry of Petroleum and ONGC to adopt a more aggressive and urgent approach to contain the situation.
Taking to microblogging site X, Sarma confirmed he had written to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, raising concerns about the ongoing gas leak from Well RDS-147 and requesting immediate intervention. "I have requested him to direct ONGC to step up well control efforts in mission mode so that the situation doesn't aggravate further,” he posted.
The blowout was first reported on last Friday, when gas began erupting from the ONGC well, prompting the evacuation of over 330 families from nearby villages. These families are now being supported by state relief and safety measures.
Also read: ONGC blowout in Assam enters 4th day, forces mass evacuation
While the state government continues to provide assistance, Sarma has voiced dissatisfaction with ONGC’s response. In his letter to the Union Minister, he wrote: “While the district administration and state agencies are fully engaged on the ground, I am constrained to convey that the local perception is one of inadequate urgency and seriousness in ONGC's response. Unlike previous incidents handled with a war-like footing, the current approach appears procedural and lacking in visibility.”
According to the Chief Minister, technical interventions such as water blanketing, high-volume mud pumping and junk shots have so far failed to bring the situation under control. He noted that pressure continues to persist at the wellhead, increasing anxiety among affected residents.
Sarma visited the site and the relief camps on June 16 to reassure local residents. “Despite ONGC's ongoing well control efforts, the prolonged nature of the incident is causing considerable distress in the surrounding villages,” he added.
Puri also addressed the situation, confirming that the gas flow has continued for several days due to "extraordinarily high pressure in the well." He said ONGC teams are employing advanced techniques, including junk pumping and are in regular contact with international experts to resolve the crisis.
In his concluding remarks, Sarma stressed the need for ONGC to “reinforce its technical and leadership presence on-site” and “step up engagement with the affected communities” to restore confidence and normalcy as swiftly as possible.
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