How is ONGC Managing Well-Capping Operations Amid Adverse Weather in Assam?
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Synopsis
In this article, we explore how ONGC is maneuvering through adverse weather conditions to control a gas blowout in Assam. With significant advancements in operations and community safety measures, ONGC demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility and safety.
Key Takeaways
- ONGC is making significant progress in well control operations despite adverse weather conditions.
- The installation of a 200-ton crane is a crucial step in the well-capping process.
- Safety measures include continuous air quality monitoring and water blanketing.
- The Assam government is providing financial aid and support to affected families.
- Gas composition analysis indicates safe levels of Methane discharge.
Guwahati, June 24 (NationPress) The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), in partnership with global well control specialists, is steadily advancing its well control operations at a crude oil site in Assam’s Sivasagar district, despite ongoing rainfall and difficult conditions, officials reported.
An ONGC representative noted that a significant milestone was reached with the successful deployment of a 200-ton crane featuring an approximately 80-metre boom, which has been fully operational and is assisting with critical tasks at the site.
This represents a crucial step forward in the preparatory phase for the well-capping process. Due to the incessant rain, various site stabilization and preparatory measures were taken to ensure the safe operation of the heavy-duty crane, as stated by ONGC.
ONGC teams acted swiftly to reinforce the location and maintain the momentum of the operations. Given the rising water levels in the Dikhow River, the Regional Crisis Management Team (RCMT) shifted the pump system to higher ground to guarantee its continuous operation. Safety protocols include constant water blanketing.
Furthermore, gas composition assessments conducted on Tuesday revealed that the discharge consists of approximately 97 percent Methane, ensuring that the gas levels are manageable and do not pose any immediate threat to nearby communities.
ONGC remains dedicated to executing well control measures with utmost safety, technical expertise, and environmental care. The Corporation is actively collaborating with local authorities and international experts to regain control of the well as quickly as possible, according to their statement.
An official from the corporation mentioned that during servicing operations at Well No. RDS-147 on June 12, significant gas emissions were observed from the well. ONGC previously reported that air quality monitoring in and around the site is ongoing.
“Encouragingly, no hydrocarbons have been detected beyond 30 metres from the well. Current evaluations indicate that residents living beyond a 500-metre radius from the incident site can safely return to their homes and resume normal activities, including cooking and electricity usage,” ONGC stated.
Over 330 families from neighboring villages were evacuated following the gas blowout and are currently receiving basic assistance at a camp established in nearby Bangaon.
The Assam government has announced financial support of Rs 25,000 for each family affected by the blowout.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma previously indicated that ONGC has assured him that the entire crude oil well from which gas is leaking will be capped.
Damage assessment and compensation disbursement will be jointly conducted by ONGC and district authorities, the Chief Minister stated.
ONGC has asserted that the incident occurred at an old crude well that was not in production, with a perforation job in progress for zone transfer at the time of the blowout.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of accurate and timely reporting on environmental and safety issues. ONGC's ongoing operations in Assam reflect both the challenges and the dedication of a major corporation to manage crises effectively. The collaboration with international experts and local authorities underscores a commitment to community safety and environmental stewardship, which aligns with national interests.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures is ONGC taking to ensure safety during the well-capping operations?
ONGC is implementing rigorous safety protocols, including air quality monitoring, continuous water blanketing, and relocating equipment to higher ground to mitigate risks from rising water levels.
How is the Assam government supporting families affected by the gas blowout?
The Assam government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25,000 for each affected family and is providing support at a relief camp for those evacuated.
What is the current gas composition at the site of the blowout?
Recent gas composition analyses indicate that approximately 97 percent of the discharge is Methane, which is within safe and manageable levels.
How many families were evacuated due to the gas blowout?
Over 330 families from surrounding villages were evacuated following the gas blowout.
What is the timeline for capping the well?
ONGC is working closely with district authorities and international experts to cap the well as quickly as possible while ensuring safety and environmental responsibility.
