ONGC well blanketed by water to avoid fire: Union Minister on gas leak in Assam

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday said that well control operations are underway in full swing at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's (ONGC) RDS 147 A site in Sivasagar, Assam, where a blowout at a crude oil well has led to a sustained gas leak for eight consecutive days that started on June 12.

Taking to X, Puri shared that the site is being handled by a Crisis Management Team comprising experienced blowout control specialists. He also thanked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state authorities for their prompt support in relief and evacuation efforts.

The Union Minister said the well is being continuously blanketed with water to prevent fire, and the released gas - 97% methane - contains no toxic substances.

"Being lighter than air, the gas is dispersing upwards and not accumulating on the ground," he noted, adding that air quality near the well mouth remains within safe limits even within 50 to 100 metres.

Puri added that the gas pressure has decreased from 2600 psi to 500 psi, and measures like junk shot operations and pumping of kill fluids are underway. If these do not prove sufficient, capping of the well may also be considered.

The blowout occurred on June 12 at Well No. RDS 147 of Rig No. SKP 135 in the Rudrasagar oil field operated by SK Petro Services on behalf of ONGC. Chief Minister Himanta Sarma, who visited the site earlier this week, raised concerns over the pace of ONGC’s response. In a letter to Puri, he urged for a mission-mode approach, citing public perception of "inadequate urgency" from the company.

“Despite ongoing efforts, the well remains active and continues to leak gas. Over 330 families have been evacuated and are being supported by the state government with relief measures,” Sarma wrote, also announcing 25,000 aid per affected family.

ONGC later said its experts are working round the clock and are consulting with an international well control agency. Additional personnel have been brought in from other centres, and part of the gas is being diverted to a nearby production facility.

The Assam Pollution Control Board has confirmed that air and noise pollution levels remain within permissible limits. ONGC stated that community safety remains its top priority, with all steps being taken in line with regulatory standards.