Gas Leak Crisis in Sivasagar Concluded Successfully by ONGC
Successful Capping of Gas Leak in Sivasagar
Sivasagar, June 27: The gas leak incident at well number 147 in Bhatiapar, Sivasagar district, has been successfully contained by ONGC as of 11:15 AM today, marking the end of a challenging 16-day situation. The leak, which initiated on June 12, was managed through the collaborative efforts of ONGC’s crisis management team alongside international well-control specialists, mainly from the United States.
Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, confirmed the successful operation via a post on a microblogging platform, commending the mission for being executed efficiently and without any injuries, casualties, or fires.
He stated, "ONGC has effectively capped the blowout of well RDS#147A today at 11:15 hrs. This achievement was made possible through meticulous planning, global cooperation, and the outstanding skills of ONGC’s Crisis Management Team." He also expressed gratitude towards Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state officials for their unwavering support.
In response, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his appreciation, stating, "Thank you Hon’ble Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri for your exceptional leadership. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Team ONGC and the State administration. Above all, my deepest gratitude to the brave residents of Sivasagar for their extraordinary perseverance and cooperation throughout this crisis."
While the technical aspect of the crisis has been resolved, humanitarian issues remain pressing.
Local residents have raised urgent requests for medical assistance, particularly for vulnerable populations impacted by the environmental and noise pollution resulting from the leak.
"We are relieved that the leak has been stopped. However, the damage has been done; our environment is polluted, and our health has deteriorated. Pregnant women and children have been particularly affected. We urge ONGC and the administration to deploy ENT specialists and provide necessary healthcare support immediately," stated a resident of Bhatiapar.
"For over two weeks, we were forced to live in relief camps, leaving our homes, belongings, and livestock behind. The Chief Minister visited us, but no representative from SK Petro came. ONGC must take responsibility and proactively provide compensation. People shouldn’t have to run from pillar to post," added another affected resident.
The leak had displaced numerous families into relief camps and caused significant damage to property, livestock, and the local ecosystem. Many residents also expressed concerns regarding delayed communication and insufficient immediate support during the initial phase of the crisis.
Intensive efforts to cap the well commenced last week under the guidance of a team of American experts, who were engaged by ONGC to carry out the intricate well-capping operation.
Despite the technical success, the absence of a formal announcement from ONGC has heightened the frustration among residents, who are now demanding a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and environmental restoration.