Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) would engage an expert from the United States to contain the leak from a natural gas well operated by the company in Sivasagar district.
The gas well has been witnessing a blowout, an uncontrolled release of gas (or fuel) due to failure of pressure control systems, since June 12.
This has raised concerns about flammability and potential environmental damage in the area. Despite ongoing efforts, ONGC engineers have yet to close the leakage.
CM Sarma stated that approximately 350 evacuated families are currently residing in a relief camp.
“Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota spoke with ONGC chairman Arun Kumar Singh and the latter has assured that they are bringing in an expert from the US to look into the issue…they are hopeful that the leak will be closed soon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held a meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday to review the leak and activities being undertaken by ONGC to control it.
“Competent personnel have been brought from other work centres of ONGC and very high capacity fire pumps, frack pumps, muds, etc are all working at the site to control the fire,” Puri posted on X.
“High tech methods such as ‘junk pumping’ are also being deployed and ONGC officers are in constant touch with international overseas experts. A water blanket is continuously being maintained for cooling effect and to prevent fire,” he added.
The chief minister is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting with Union Minister Puri regarding the matter.
