Sivasagar (Assam), 17 June (HS): The state government has announced immediate relief of ₹25,000 to about 350 families affected after the blowout in the crude oil well of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in Sivasagar district of Assam on June 12. It is noteworthy that all the families have been moved to temporary camps and secured.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said, About 350 families are living in the camps and they are worried. Compensation will be decided later, but at present assistance of ₹25,000 is being given from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held a meeting with top officials regarding this matter in Delhi. Chief Minister Sarma said that he will hold a video conference with the minister after reaching Guwahati. This crisis is being resolved with the joint efforts of the central and state governments.

ONGC officials said that an expert has been called from the US so that the gas leak can be controlled soon. The state's Chief Secretary has also spoken to the Union Petroleum Secretary and assured all possible cooperation.

A government official said, If needed, the state government is ready to provide more financial assistance. I will personally visit the site again.

The administration said that air pollution in the area is under control and the Assam Pollution Control Board is monitoring.

Giving technical information, an ONGC official said that the incident occurred during the 'logging perforation' process of the well, when suddenly gas started coming out uncontrollably.

At present, the central and state governments are making efforts on a war footing to normalize the situation, while local organizations are demanding justice for the affected people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash