Daijiworld Media Network – Sivasagar

Sivasagar, Jun 18: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed serious concern over the ongoing gas blowout from an ONGC well in Sivasagar district, which entered its seventh day on Wednesday. The incident at Well No RDS 147 in Barichuk, Rudrasagar oil field, continues to pose a threat to nearby villages, with over 330 families evacuated so far.

In a letter to Union Petroleum minister Hardeep S Puri, CM Sarma criticised the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for its ‘inadequate urgency and seriousness’ in tackling the leak. He urged Puri to direct the state-run energy giant to act in ‘mission mode’ and scale up well-control operations immediately.

“Despite ONGC’s well-control measures like water blanketing, high-volume mud pumping, and junk shots, the pressure remains high and the well is still active,” the CM stated, adding that local sentiment reflects frustration over the lack of visible urgency compared to previous such crises.

Sarma, who visited the site earlier this week, assured affected residents that their concerns would be taken to the highest level. He also announced Rs 25,000 in financial relief for each affected family, totalling aid for around 350 households.

The blowout, which began on June 12 during a zone-transfer perforation operation, occurred at an old non-producing crude oil well managed by private firm SK Petro Services on behalf of ONGC.

While ONGC has maintained that advanced techniques like junk pumping are underway and international experts are being consulted, officials admit the leak remains uncontrolled. “Gas pressure hasn’t increased, and we’re hopeful for a breakthrough soon,” said an ONGC official. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and a fire has not broken out.

Meanwhile, the Pollution Control Board is monitoring air quality, which remains within safe limits. Emergency services continue to be on alert in the region.