ONGC says significant progress made in gas leak control operations in Assam well

ANI June 21, 2025 290 views

ONGC confirms reduced gas flow at its Assam well as US experts endorse its control strategy. Site preparations advance with tubular removal and crane mobilization while water blanketing continues. Over 330 displaced families receive government aid as Assam CM pushes for faster resolution. Real-time gas detectors and river monitoring ensure safety amid prolonged operations.

"The experts have expressed agreement with ONGC’s strategy to safely manage the well." – ONGC Statement
New Delhi, June 21: In a latest update, ONGC has said that it has made significant headway in its well control operations from an Assam well, with the flow rate of gas having reduced substantially.

Key Points

1

US team CUDD Pressure Control reviews ONGC’s Assam well strategy

2

Tubular removal begins as cranes mobilize for rig operations

3

330+ families evacuated amid ongoing environmental monitoring

4

Assam CM Sarma urges mission-mode approach to resolve crisis

An international expert team from CUDD Pressure Control, USA, who arrived on site on Friday, has conducted a preliminary assessment of the situation and reviewed all actions undertaken by ONGC teams so far.

"The experts have expressed their agreement with the strategy and execution carried out to date, reaffirming the effectiveness of ONGC's approach to safely managing the well," ONGC said in a statement.

Extensive site preparations are underway to facilitate the next phase of action.

"The process of removing tubulars from the well has commenced, and mobilisation of cranes for the removal of tubing from the rig floor is currently in progress," said ONGC.

"Water blanketing continues around the clock as a key safety measure. Additionally, flood level monitoring of the nearby Dikhow River remains ongoing, ensuring all operations are aligned with environmental and safety protocols."

ONGC further said it is continuously monitoring the Low Explosive Limit (LEL) levels of air around the well site through real-time gas detectors to ensure safety. It added that medical assistance is being provided at the relief camp to support all those in need.

On June 12, the gas blowout incident at ONGC's well RDS-147A in Barichuk-Bhatiapar, Sivasagar district, Assam, was reported during servicing operations.

Despite ONGC's ongoing well control efforts--such as water blanketing, high-volume mud pumping, and junk shots--pressure continued to persist, and the well remained active.

"The prolonged nature of the incident is causing considerable distress in the surrounding villages. Over 330 families have had to be evacuated and are being supported by the state Government with basic relief and safety measures," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently wrote to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri.

The Chief Minister had himself visited the gas leak site and took stock of the situation.

"During my visit to the affected area and relief camp on 16th June, I assured the evacuees that their concerns would be taken up at the highest level. I urge you to kindly direct ONGC to reinforce its technical and leadership presence on-site, adopt a more mission-mode approach, and step up engagement with the affected communities to restore confidence and bring the situation under control at the earliest," read the Chief Minister's letter to the Union Minister, dated June 17.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see ONGC taking this seriously and bringing in international experts. Assam's ecology is too precious to take risks with. Hope they resolve this soon and compensate affected families properly. The water blanketing and gas monitoring seem like good safety measures.
P
Priya M.
Why did it take so long to control this? 330 families displaced is no small matter! 😟 ONGC needs better disaster preparedness for such situations. The CM is right - they should have deployed more experts earlier. Hope lessons are learned from this.
A
Amit S.
As someone from Assam, I appreciate the CM's quick response. The people here have suffered enough with floods and now this gas leak. ONGC must ensure no long-term environmental damage happens to our beautiful state. Jai Axom! 🙏
S
Sunita R.
The real heroes are the ONGC workers risking their lives at the site. We should appreciate their efforts while also demanding better safety protocols. Hope they're getting proper protective gear and health monitoring.
V
Vikram J.
This shows why we need to invest more in renewable energy. Less dependence on fossil fuels means fewer such disasters. Meanwhile, ONGC should set up a permanent expert team for such emergencies rather than calling foreign experts after incidents occur.
N
Neha T.
The affected families must be going through so much stress! 😔 Beyond temporary relief, ONGC should provide long-term support - maybe scholarships for children, healthcare benefits, and job opportunities once the situation normalizes. Corporate responsibility shouldn't end with compensation cheques.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
ONGC Assam gas leak CUDD Pressure Control Himanta Biswa Sarma Dikhow River well control