Ongoing Gas Leak Crisis in Assam: Residents Protest After 12 Days of Inaction
Gas Leak Continues in Sivasagar District
Sivasagar, June 23:The gas leak from ONGC’s oil well No. 147 at Bhatiapar–Barichuk in Assam’s Sivasagar district has now persisted for 12 days, with no resolution in sight.
Despite the engagement of international well-control specialists from the United States, attempts to seal the leak have proven ineffective, causing growing concern among local residents regarding their health, safety, and property.
As toxic fumes and incessant noise continue to disrupt their lives, affected villagers, supported by the Anusuchit Jati Chatra Santha and the Kaibarta Mahila Sabha, organized a protest at Rupahi Mukh on Monday.
They voiced their grievances against ONGC and its contractor, SK Petro Services, accusing them of severe negligence and poor management of the situation.
“We are forced to protest because the leak remains uncontrolled even after 12 days. Residents are losing sleep due to air and noise pollution,” stated Mridul, a representative of the Anusuchit Jati Chatra Santha.
He further claimed that locals are suffering from headaches and reported that two fatalities have occurred during this crisis.
“Krishna Agarwal, the head of SK Petro Services, has not made any public statement. We are issuing a three-day ultimatum along with 16 specific demands. If these are not addressed, we will escalate our protests and demonstrate outside the ONGC office,” he added.
In response, ONGC announced on Sunday that residents living more than 500 meters from the well site could return home and resume normal activities, including cooking and using electricity.
The gas blowout took place on June 12 at the Rudrasagar oil field during operations conducted by SK Petro Services on behalf of ONGC.
ONGC reported that significant progress has been made in clearing the site.
“Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC), in partnership with international well-control experts from Cudd Pressure Control, has reached a significant milestone in operations at Well RDS#147A,” the company stated.
The operation is now transitioning into the crucial well-capping phase, with heavy machinery being mobilized. A thorough inspection of the elevated rig mast has also been completed to facilitate the safe removal of tubing inside the derrick.
More than 330 families from surrounding villages have been evacuated and are currently accommodated in a relief camp at Bangaon, where basic supplies and safety measures are being provided. The Assam government has also announced a financial assistance package of Rs 25,000 for each affected family.
Despite these efforts, public frustration continues to escalate, with residents demanding transparency, accountability, and a prompt resolution to the ongoing crisis.