What Measures is ONGC Taking to Address the Gas Leakage?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Effective Crisis Management: ONGC has activated its experienced Crisis Management Team.
- Community Support: Immediate evacuation and provision of relief to affected residents.
- Advanced Techniques: Implementation of innovative methods like 'junk pumping' for leak control.
- Health Precautions: Establishment of free medical camps for public health safety.
- Transparent Communication: Ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to ensure community awareness.
New Delhi, June 17 (NationPress) The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced on Tuesday that he has assessed and received updates on the 'well control' operations being conducted by ONGC in Assam to address the ongoing gas leakage. In a statement shared via the X social media platform, the minister noted that the gas flow has persisted for the last four days due to the exceptionally high pressure within the well.
“Local residents were promptly evacuated on the first day and are receiving adequate relief and support. Skilled personnel have been deployed from various ONGC work centers, and high-capacity fire pumps, frack pumps, and muds are actively being utilized on the scene to suppress the fire,” stated Puri.
The Union Minister further informed that advanced techniques like “junk pumping” are being employed, with ONGC officials maintaining constant communication with international experts. “A continuous water blanket is being maintained for cooling and fire prevention,” he added.
According to ONGC, the company has mobilized its most proficient Crisis Management Team (CMT), renowned for its success in managing intricate well control situations, to mitigate the gas leak at Well RDS#147. This operation is under the vigilant oversight of ONGC’s senior management.
“Geological challenges are a fundamental aspect of oil and gas operations, and as India’s leading energy provider, ONGC adheres to strict safety standards. The company is committed to bringing the gas leak under total control as swiftly as possible,” the statement read.
In the aftermath of the incident, ONGC has worked closely with the District Administration to ensure the safe evacuation of affected households, providing secure temporary shelters, nutritious food, clean drinking water, and vital everyday supplies.
To protect public health, ONGC has set up free 24/7 medical camps staffed with doctors and stocked with essential medications as part of its comprehensive emergency response strategy.
ONGC is maintaining ongoing communication with all relevant stakeholders, including district and police authorities, media representatives, and community leaders, to ensure transparency and prompt action.