Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Assam Pradesh Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has written to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, demanding swift action to address an ongoing gas leak from an ONGC installation at the Rudrasagar oil field in Barichuk, Bhatiapar, located in Assam’s Sivasagar district.
The gas leak, which began on June 12 due to a blowout at Rig No. 47(A) and Well No. 335 following the failure of pressure control systems, remains uncontrolled. Despite ONGC’s efforts, the situation remains uncontrolled, putting the health and safety of nearly 1,000 residents at risk.
Gogoi, who visited the affected site, expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions. He noted that approximately 350 families have already been shifted to a relief camp as a precautionary measure. “The gas continues to leak into the air, causing intense headaches, dizziness, and breathing problems — symptoms especially affecting children,” he wrote in his letter.
I have written to the Union Petroleum Minister @HardeepSPuri ji regarding the ongoing gas leak at the ONGC rig in Sivasagar. The situation is alarming and demands urgent intervention. I hope the Ministry will act swiftly and provide answers to the many troubling questions raised. pic.twitter.com/eJQJGqyyRw
— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) June 17, 2025
He highlighted that the persistent noise and strong stench from the leak have disrupted daily life, particularly for students preparing for their examinations.
Raising alarm over the handling of the drilling operation, Gogoi pointed out that the task was outsourced to a private contractor reportedly linked to local political figures. He criticized the decision, alleging that the firm has a record of rig-related mishaps. “Awarding such sensitive operations to a company with a questionable safety track record raises grave concerns about accountability and oversight,” Gogoi stressed.
The Congress MP urged the Pollution Control Board to step in and monitor air quality in the region. He also demanded independent, third-party environmental assessments to ensure public transparency and accountability.
Drawing parallels with the devastating 2020 Baghjan blowout in Tinsukia, Gogoi stated that the current crisis in Sivasagar has reopened old wounds and heightened anxiety about safety standards in Assam’s oil and gas sector.
In conclusion, Gogoi called upon ONGC and the Union Petroleum Ministry to act with urgency, contain the leak, safeguard the health and well-being of the local community, and investigate the circumstances leading to the blowout to prevent such incidents in the future.
