In a high-stakes response to a significant natural gas leak at a well site in Assam’s Sivasagar district, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has brought in international well control specialists to assist in taming the week-long blowout. The incident, which began during routine servicing of Well No. RDS-147 on June 13, has drawn both public concern and government scrutiny due to fears of environmental and safety risks. The leak started around 11:45 AM on June 13, releasing an uncontrolled stream of natural gas into the atmosphere. While no injuries have been reported so far, the leak remains unsealed even after several days, prompting ONGC to intensify containment efforts with outside help. The state-owned oil major confirmed in a statement that its internal well control teams have been working non-stop and are in active coordination with a global well control agency. Although the name of the agency was not revealed, ONGC has begun mobilising their team to the site, signaling the seriousness of the situation.
“In order to bolster ground efforts, international experts are being brought in and will join ongoing operations shortly,” ONGC said on Wednesday. “Our priority is to manage the blowout safely, efficiently, and in accordance with all environmental norms.” As part of its immediate response, ONGC has connected the leaking well to a nearby production facility. This has allowed the company to divert part of the gas flow in a controlled manner, reducing pressure at the source. In addition, continuous water blanketing is being maintained over the well to suppress gas dispersion and prevent accidental ignition. Local residents and environmentalists have expressed concern, drawing parallels to the 2020 Baghjan blowout in Assam’s Tinsukia district, which had turned into a massive fire and caused serious damage to wildlife and habitats. However, ONGC has moved quickly this time to put preventive measures in place. The company stated that air quality data collected by the Pollution Control Board, Assam, shows that all levels remain within permissible limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Further, chemical analysis of the leaking gas has shown it to be non-toxic and lighter than air, meaning it disperses into higher atmospheric layers without posing a direct health hazard. Noise pollution at the site is also being monitored, and readings indicate that sound levels remain within safe limits beyond a 500-meter radius. Access to the site has been tightly restricted. Only key operational personnel are allowed entry as a precautionary measure. ONGC emphasized that it is taking every step to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and to minimize environmental risks. “Sivasagar has always played a key role in Assam’s oil and gas economy, and we are committed to preserving both its environment and its people,” the company added in its statement.