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Key Points

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has written to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, urging immediate action to control ONGC's gas leak in Sivasagar. The six-day crisis has displaced 330 families, with ONGC's efforts deemed insufficient. Sarma visited the site and relief camps, stressing the need for urgency. The state is assisting evacuees but demands ONGC step up its response.

Key Points: Assam CM Sarma Urges Puri to Expedite ONGC Gas Leak Control

  • CM Sarma criticizes ONGC's slow response to the gas leak
  • Over 330 families evacuated as pressure persists
  • Assam govt providing relief but seeks ONGC's proactive measures
  • Letter calls for mission-mode intervention from Puri
2 min read

Step up efforts to control ONGC gas leak, Assam CM writes to Union Minister Puri

Assam CM Sarma writes to Union Minister Puri, demanding urgent action from ONGC to control the six-day gas leak in Sivasagar.

"The local perception is one of inadequate urgency and seriousness in ONGC’s response. – Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, June 18

In response to the ongoing gas leakage for the last six days from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) rig sites at Bhatiyapara locality in the Sivasagar district, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday wrote a letter to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Taking to X, CM Sarma wrote, “Conveyed our concerns regarding the Barichuk Gas Blowout incident to Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @HardeepSPuri ji. I have requested him to direct @ONGC_ to step up well control efforts in mission mode so that the situation doesn't aggravate further.”

In the letter, the Chief Minister highlighted that the persistent high pressure at the well -- despite ONGC's interventions including water blanketing, high-volume mud pumping, and junk shots -- is causing growing anxiety in the surrounding villages.

“The prolonged nature of the incident is causing considerable distress,” CM Sarma wrote, adding that over 330 families have been evacuated from the affected area and are currently being supported by the state government with basic relief and safety assistance.

In a pointed critique of the response from the public-sector energy giant, CM Sarma expressed dissatisfaction with ONGC’s handling of the crisis.

“The local perception is one of inadequate urgency and seriousness in ONGC’s response,” he said, contrasting it with the "war-footing" response seen in similar past incidents.

The CM noted that the current approach appears to be “procedural and lacking in visibility”.

Following a personal visit to the affected site and relief camp on June 16, CM Sarma assured evacuees that their concerns would be raised at the highest level.

In his letter to the Union Minister, CM Sarma urged immediate intervention, calling for ONGC to enhance its technical and leadership presence at the site, adopt a more mission-mode approach, and improve engagement with displaced communities to restore public confidence and bring the situation under control.

The Chief Minister asserted that the state government is providing all necessary relief to the affected people at this hour, but a more proactive approach is needed from ONGC to mitigate this situation and restore normalcy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is really concerning! ONGC is a Maharatna company and should have better crisis management protocols. The Assam government is right to push for urgent action - people's lives and environment are at stake. Hope Puri ji takes immediate steps 🤞
P
Priya M.
Why does it always take political intervention to make PSUs act responsibly? The gas leak has been going on for 6 days! ONGC should have deployed their best experts from Day 1. Kudos to CM Sarma for visiting the site personally.
A
Arjun S.
This incident shows the need for stronger environmental safeguards in oil/gas operations. We can't keep compromising people's safety for energy needs. Hope this becomes a wake-up call for better safety standards across all PSUs.
S
Sunita R.
As someone from Assam, I appreciate CM Sarma's quick response. But why only now? The gas leak has been ongoing for days. Both state and central governments need better monitoring systems to prevent such situations. My heart goes out to the displaced families 😔
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Vikram J.
ONGC needs to explain why their response was slower compared to past incidents. Are they cutting corners on safety to save costs? The Union Minister should order an inquiry after controlling the leak. Public sector companies must lead by example.
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Neha T.
The affected families must be properly compensated beyond just basic relief. Gas leaks can have long-term health impacts. Hope the authorities conduct proper medical checkups and environmental impact assessments. Safety should come before profits!

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