Sivasagar: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has formally appealed to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, to intensify efforts to control the ongoing gas leak at ONGC’s Rudrasagar oilfield in Sivasagar district.
Incident Overview:
- Location: Well No. RDS-147A, Rudrasagar oilfield, Barichuk-Bhatiapar
- Date of Occurrence: June 12, 2025
- Cause: Gas blowout during servicing operations by SK Petro Services
- Current Status: Continued gas release; pressure remains high
- Evacuations: Approximately 350 families relocated to relief camps
Chief Minister’s Concerns:
In his communication to Minister Puri, CM Sarma expressed concerns over the perceived lack of urgency in ONGC’s response to the crisis. He noted that, unlike previous incidents managed with a “war-footing” approach, the current situation appears to be handled in a more procedural manner, potentially undermining public confidence. The CM emphasized the need for ONGC to adopt a mission-mode approach, enhance its technical and leadership presence on-site, and improve engagement with affected communities to restore normalcy.
State Government’s Actions:
The Assam government has been actively involved in providing immediate relief to the affected families. Financial assistance of ₹25,000 per family has been disbursed from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Additionally, state ministers have been stationed in Sivasagar to oversee relief operations and ensure the well-being of displaced residents.
ONGC’s Response:
ONGC has initiated several measures to control the gas leak, including–
- Well Control Techniques: Deployment of high-volume mud pumping and junk shots
- Fire Prevention: Maintaining a water blanket to cool the area and prevent ignition
- Expert Consultation: Engagement with international experts to assess and mitigate the situation
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has assured that ONGC is mobilizing resources from other work centers and utilizing advanced technology to address the crisis effectively.
What to expect next?
The Assam government continues to monitor the situation closely and is committed to supporting the affected communities. CM Sarma’s appeal underscores the urgency of a coordinated and proactive response to prevent further escalation of the crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas.
About ONGC
ONGC is India’s largest government-owned oil and gas exploration and production company. Established on August 14, 1956, ONGC is a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Headquartered in New Delhi, ONGC is pivotal to India’s energy security and economic growth.
Read Also: Result: ONGC Q4 Profit Falls 35% to ₹6,448 Cr; Declares ₹1.25 Final Dividend per Share
