In a significant development following the gas leak incident at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) Bhatiyapara rig sites in Sivasagar district, senior ONGC officials confirmed on Tuesday that the situation is currently under control. Addressing the press at a temporary relief camp set up at Bongaon High School, Bhaskar Chowdhury, Executive Director of ONGC Assam Asset, assured that the company is working around the clock with both national and international experts to manage the emergency. The gas leak, which began on June 12 at well sites 147(A) and 135, had triggered widespread concern among local residents and raised serious questions about safety protocols. However, officials maintained that the blowout had not escalated and that containment efforts were progressing steadily. “We are making every possible attempt to contain the gas leak. The situation is under control as of now, although we cannot say with certainty when the leakage will be completely sealed off,” said Chowdhury.
He further expressed his gratitude to the Sivasagar district administration for their prompt support and coordination in the response efforts. “Their cooperation has been crucial in setting up relief camps and ensuring safety for nearby residents,” he added. According to ONGC, the company’s emergency response team, along with its firefighting unit, has been engaged in continuous cooling operations at the well site, following expert recommendations. “Specialists have advised uninterrupted cooling using water to reduce pressure and risk at the site. We are implementing this with utmost urgency,” Chowdhury explained. To bolster confidence in their technical systems, Chowdhury clarified that the Blowout Preventer (BOP), a crucial safety mechanism, had been functioning properly at the time of the incident. He strongly refuted any circulating rumours about ONGC moving its operations out of Sivasagar, stating, “There is absolutely no truth to reports that we are relocating our office from Sivasagar. ONGC remains committed to the region and continues to contribute to its development.”
The issue has also thrown the spotlight on S.K. Petro, a private drilling contractor reportedly operating the affected rig. While the exact cause of the blowout remains under investigation, ONGC confirmed that an internal probe has already been launched into the role of S.K. Petro in the incident.“We are conducting a thorough investigation. If the contractor is found responsible, appropriate action will be taken. We have already taken lessons from this incident and are working to ensure that such accidents are not repeated,” said Chowdhury. He added that S.K. Petro currently operates six rigs across Sivasagar district, and the findings of the inquiry will determine the future course of action regarding the firm’s continued engagement. The leak has affected hundreds of residents in the surrounding areas, prompting the Assam government to announce a relief package. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier declared a financial assistance of Rs 25,000 each for 350 families affected by the blowout. Temporary relief camps have been established, and medical teams have been deployed to monitor the health conditions of evacuees.
