In a major breakthrough, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) successfully capped the uncontrolled gas leak from its well RDS#147A at Bhatiapar in Assam’s Sivasagar district today at 11:15 AM, concluding a 16-day-long crisis that had upended local life and sparked environmental and health concerns.
The gas leak, which began on June 12, was brought under control by ONGC’s Crisis Management Team in collaboration with international well-control specialists, particularly from the United States. The operation, described as technically complex and high-risk, was executed without any injuries, casualties, or fire incidents.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed the development via a social media post, lauding the effort as “meticulously executed” and accomplished “within the shortest possible time.”
“ONGC has successfully capped the blowout of well RDS#147A. This was made possible through careful planning, international collaboration, and the exemplary competence of ONGC’s Crisis Management Team,” he wrote.
“Thanks to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and the state administration for their unstinting support,” he added.
Responding to the update, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude to the Union Minister and all those involved.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Team ONGC and the State administration. Above all, my deepest gratitude to the brave residents of Sivasagar for their extraordinary perseverance and cooperation throughout this crisis,” Sarma posted on microblogging site X.
While the technical challenge has been resolved, humanitarian concerns persist. Displaced families, some of whom spent over two weeks in relief camps, are now demanding urgent medical aid and fair compensation.
“The leak may be capped, but the trauma remains. We’ve suffered from toxic exposure and relentless noise. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly need ENT and general health checkups immediately,” said a local resident.
Another resident highlighted the lack of visible action by SK Petro and criticized the sluggish response during the critical early days of the leak.
“We appreciate the CM’s visit, but ONGC must now ensure compensation and rehabilitation. We shouldn’t have to beg for our rights,” he said.
The blowout not only forced evacuations but also damaged homes, crops, and livestock, leaving lasting scars on the local environment. There is also growing anger over poor communication from ONGC, with no formal local announcement of the capping operation even hours after its success.
Experts from the US had arrived last week to oversee and execute the well-capping operation. Their success has brought a sense of technical closure, but locals stress that environmental remediation, long-term health surveillance, and financial redressal must follow swiftly.
As Bhatiapar breathes a sigh of relief, all eyes are now on ONGC and the government’s next steps to ensure that recovery reaches beyond the wellhead—into homes, hospitals, and hearts of the people affected.