Gas Leak at ONGC Well in Assam Continues for Fourth Day, 70 Families Relocated

The gas leak at an ONGC well in Assam's Sivasagar district has entered its fourth consecutive day, prompting the relocation of 70 families to a relief camp in nearby Bangaon.

The incident occurred at Well Number RDS 147A of Rig Number SKP 135, located in the Rudrasagar oil field at Barichuk in Bhatiapar. The blowout began on June 12 during a perforation operation being carried out by private contractor SK Petro Services for ONGC.

Officials confirmed that although the well has not caught fire and no injuries have been reported, gas continues to escape in an uncontrolled manner. ONGC Director (Technology and Field Services) Vikram Saxena is overseeing the situation, with a Crisis Management Team (CMT) working intensively to cap the well and stop the leak.

“We have mobilised all necessary equipment. The well killing process is ongoing,” an ONGC official stated.

The district administration reported that approximately 1,500 residents have been affected. Due to the strong smell of gas, many are unable to cook or ignite any fire sources. Authorities are providing cooked food to the residents and monitoring the health of people and livestock.

Doctors from both the Health and Animal Husbandry Departments are present at the site to ensure medical assistance is available.

An ONGC spokesperson noted that the affected well was an old crude site with no current production. A new zone was being prepared for production through a logging and perforation process when the incident occurred.

Relief efforts are ongoing as authorities work to ensure the safety and well-being of affected families while attempting to bring the situation under control.