Sivasagar (Assam), 14 June (HS): The gas leakage incident that started from ONGC's well number RDS-147 (rig SKP-135) in Rudrasagar oil field located at Bhatiapara in Sivasagar district has now reached the third day, but the situation has not been brought under control yet. During the repair on June 12 at around 11:45 am, this leak started with a sound, which is continuing till now.

Despite all the efforts to seal the well, till now the relief teams have not been able to get any significant success. Despite the deployment of ONGC's disaster management team and related agencies, the leak could not be controlled. However, the administration has clarified that there is no report of any kind of fire or loss of life.

The sound of the gas along with its high pressure and the strong smell in the air has increased panic and uneasiness in the surrounding villages. About 137 families living within a radius of one kilometer—more than 1200 people in total—have been evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure and shifted to relief camps in Bhatiapara and Bongaon.

Relief services like cooked food, clean drinking water, first aid and security are being provided in the camps, but the affected people have expressed concern over the lack of basic facilities.

On behalf of the district administration, Deputy Commissioner Ayush Garg informed that a joint team of ONGC, SDRF, NDRF and local emergency services is engaged in efforts to stop the leak and restore normalcy. He has appealed to the general public to stay away from the affected area and follow the administrative instructions.

ONGC has informed that the 'well killing' process has been started to control the gas, in which special chemicals are being used. The next phase of the process is expected to begin in the early morning, although the company has not yet announced any specific timeline.

Resentment is growing among local residents. Reminiscent of the 2020 Baghjan accident, people have expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in the administration's response and the condition of relief camps. The administration has made it clear that if the situation does not improve within the next three days, strict action 7will be taken.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash