Was the capping of Assam's Sivasagar gas blowout a high-precision operation?
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Synopsis
ONGC has successfully capped the gas blowout at Well RDS-147A in Assam’s Sivasagar district, marking a major achievement in operational excellence. The meticulous efforts by the Crisis Management Team and international experts ensured a safe resolution without injuries, showcasing ONGC's commitment to safety and environmental integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Successful capping of gas blowout at Well RDS-147A.
- Operation executed with high precision and coordination.
- No injuries or casualties reported during the operation.
- Collaboration with local authorities and international experts.
- ONGC maintains commitment to safety and environmental integrity.
New Delhi/Guwahati, June 27 (NationPress) The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) reported the successful capping of the gas blowout at its Well RDS-147A in Assam’s Sivasagar district, describing the intricate operation as a significant achievement executed with high precision and coordination.
The announcement followed Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri's update on X, commending ONGC's Crisis Management Team and its partners for effectively addressing the situation in a safe and timely manner.
In an official communication, ONGC highlighted that the capping operation represented a crucial success in the well control efforts, following a blowout that occurred during service operations at the site on June 12, which resulted in an uncontrolled gas discharge from the well.
As dawn broke on Friday, ONGC’s Crisis Management Team, in collaboration with experts from the international firm CUDD Pressure Control and local personnel, embarked on the essential task of removing the faulty Blowout Preventer (BOP) from the wellhead.
“The entire operation was carried out with meticulous planning, technical expertise, and close coordination to ensure stability and prevent any imbalance or toppling during the removal of the damaged BOP,” stated an ONGC spokesperson.
After the damaged BOP was securely extracted, a pre-positioned capping stack, prepared at a staging site, was carefully placed onto the wellhead. The redirection of gas flow through this capping stack ensured the successful containment of the leak. With the capping stack firmly in position, the BOP was then closed, effectively sealing the well and terminating the gas discharge.
“This successful capping underscores ONGC’s engineering prowess and collaborative strength, made possible through the relentless efforts of its Crisis Management Team, international experts, and the unwavering support of local units,” stated the ONGC announcement.
ONGC confirmed that the entire operation was completed without any injuries, casualties, or fire incidents, demonstrating the safety protocols adhered to during this high-risk mission.
ONGC also expressed appreciation to the District and State Administration of Assam, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), and the local community for their unwavering support and cooperation, which played a vital role in the safe and timely resolution of the crisis.
The company stressed that it maintained full transparency throughout the operation, providing daily updates over the last two weeks to keep stakeholders informed.
“ONGC remains committed to the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence,” the statement emphasized.
Earlier that day, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on X that: “ONGC has successfully capped the blowout of well RDS#147A at 1115 hours today. The blowout, which initiated on June 12, has been resolved in the shortest possible time, adhering to all best practices.”
He praised ONGC’s Crisis Management Team and international well control experts for their meticulous planning and collaborative efforts, which brought an end to the blowout without any harm to personnel or property.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed his gratitude, thanking the Union Minister and ONGC for their prompt and coordinated response.
In a post on X, Sarma stated: “Thank you Hon’ble Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Ji for your exceptional leadership and persistence in sealing the gas leak at RDS#147A, Sivasagar -- which has been a significant concern for all of us.”
He also commended the resilience of the affected communities and the cooperation provided by local residents. “My deepest gratitude to the brave men and women of Sivasagar, especially those in the affected areas, for showing extraordinary perseverance and extending unwavering support to all involved agencies over the last two weeks,” Sarma added.
The capping of Well RDS-147A concludes a pivotal chapter in ONGC’s emergency response operations and signifies a remarkable advancement in ensuring safety and environmental integrity in the region.
Point of View
The successful capping of the gas blowout by ONGC showcases not only their technical prowess but also the importance of effective crisis management in the energy sector. The collaboration between local authorities, national leadership, and international experts highlights a unified approach to addressing emergencies, ensuring safety and minimizing environmental impact.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the gas blowout at Well RDS-147A?
The gas blowout occurred during service operations at the site on June 12, resulting in an uncontrolled discharge of gas.
How did ONGC manage to cap the gas blowout?
ONGC executed a complex capping operation, which involved removing the damaged Blowout Preventer (BOP) and installing a pre-positioned capping stack to contain the gas leak.
Were there any casualties during the operation?
ONGC confirmed that the entire operation was completed without any injuries, casualties, or fire incidents.
Who supported ONGC in managing the crisis?
ONGC received support from the District and State Administration of Assam, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), and local communities during the crisis.
What measures did ONGC take to ensure safety during the operation?
ONGC adhered to strict safety protocols, conducted meticulous planning, and maintained close coordination throughout the operation to prevent any imbalance or accidents.
