Shivsagar (Assam), 15 June (HS): A serious gas leakage incident from an ONGC gas-carrying pipeline has sparked concern among residents of Silakuti Bhakatgaon in the Dhitaipukhuri area of Nazira. Gas was reportedly escaping continuously from the damaged pipeline, creating panic in the locality amid fears of a major accident.

Local residents alleged that ONGC had been repairing ageing pipelines through temporary patchwork measures instead of replacing them, raising questions over the safety of the infrastructure. Villagers claimed that repeated complaints regarding the condition of the pipeline had not been adequately addressed.

The incident has heightened anxiety among residents, who fear that if the leak is not controlled immediately, it could lead to a disaster similar to the devastating Baghjan blowout. Authorities and ONGC officials are yet to issue a detailed statement on the cause of the leak. Reports of gas leaks from oil and gas installations in Assam have previously raised safety concerns in the region.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash