A major gas leak from ONGC Well No. RDS-147A of Rudrasagar oil field in Bhatiapar, Sivasagar district, has entered its fifth day, raising serious health and environmental concerns in the region. The blowout, which began on June 12, has led to the evacuation of at least 72 families to a relief camp set up in nearby Bangaon village.
The well, operated by Rig No. SKP-135, was being managed by SK Petro Services, a local company owned by Krishna Agarwala, Vikash Pareek, and Radha Agarwala, under a subcontract with ONGC. The gas emission reportedly started during a perforation job for zone transfer in an old crude oil well, which had been inactive for some time.
Despite several days of effort, ONGC engineers have so far failed to contain the leak, prompting the company’s Crisis Management Team (CMT) to take over the site. ONGC Director (Technology & Field Services), Vikram Saxena, is personally monitoring the well control process.
Local villagers have reported a strong, unpleasant gas odor, and many are unable to cook as the lighting stoves have become unsafe. Fortunately, no injuries or fire incidents have been reported so far.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked outrage. The Asomiya Yuva Mancha, a local youth organization, has held the contractor responsible and demanded their immediate arrest. They have also urged for high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blowout and ONGC’s delayed response.
The crisis has drawn attention at the highest administrative levels, as pressure mounts on ONGC and its partners to act swiftly and ensure the safety of residents and the environment.
