How is Assam CM Addressing the ONGC Gas Leak Crisis?
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Synopsis
As the gas leak from ONGC's rig sites continues to affect the local community in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's urgent letter to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri calls for immediate measures to control the situation and support the evacuees. Will ONGC respond with the urgency needed?
Key Takeaways
- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has called for urgent action on ongoing gas leak.
- Over 330 families evacuated and receiving state support.
- Concerns raised about ONGC's response and urgency.
- CM urges improved engagement and technical presence from ONGC.
- Community safety and confidence restoration are priorities.
Guwahati, June 18 (NationPress) In light of the continuing gas leak that has persisted for six days from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) rig sites in Bhatiyapara of Sivasagar district, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has formally reached out to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. In a post on X, CM Sarma stated, “I expressed our worries regarding the Barichuk Gas Blowout incident to Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @HardeepSPuri ji. I urged him to instruct @ONGC_ to intensify well control measures in a mission mode to prevent further deterioration of the situation.”
In his letter, CM Sarma emphasized that the ongoing high pressure at the well—despite ONGC's actions such as water blanketing, high-volume mud pumping, and junk shots—has led to increasing concern among local villagers.
“The extended duration of this incident is causing significant distress,” CM Sarma noted, revealing that over 330 families have been evacuated from the affected zone and are receiving essential relief and safety support from the state government.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the public-sector company’s response, CM Sarma criticized ONGC’s handling of the crisis. “The local sentiment is that ONGC’s response lacks the necessary urgency and seriousness,” he remarked, drawing comparisons to the “war-footing” responses observed in similar past crises.
The CM remarked that the current ONGC approach seems to be “procedural and lacking visibility.” After visiting the affected site and relief camp on June 16, he assured evacuees that their concerns would be elevated to the highest authorities.
In his correspondence with the Union Minister, CM Sarma called for immediate action, urging ONGC to bolster its technical and leadership presence at the site, adopt a more aggressive approach, and improve dialogue with displaced communities to regain public confidence and stabilize the situation.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the state government is committed to providing all necessary relief to those affected, yet a more proactive response from ONGC is crucial to alleviate the situation and restore normalcy.
Point of View
The situation highlights the critical need for an effective response from public-sector corporations like ONGC. The ongoing gas leak not only jeopardizes local safety but also impacts the trust of the community in the authorities. The call for action from Assam's CM reflects the urgency with which such crises must be handled. It is imperative that ONGC demonstrates its commitment to safety and community welfare.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the gas leak in Assam?
The precise cause of the gas leak from ONGC's rig sites in Assam has not been disclosed yet. However, it has raised significant concerns among local residents.
How is the government helping affected families?
The Assam government has evacuated over 330 families and is providing essential relief and safety assistance to those impacted by the gas leak.
What actions has the Chief Minister taken regarding the situation?
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has written to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, urging immediate intervention and enhanced efforts from ONGC to control the gas leak.
What is ONGC's response to the gas leak incident?
The Chief Minister has expressed dissatisfaction with ONGC's handling of the crisis, citing a lack of urgency compared to past incidents.
What measures are being taken to control the gas leak?
ONGC has implemented measures such as water blanketing, high-volume mud pumping, and junk shots, although these have not yet fully mitigated the situation.
