Gas leak at ONGC’s Assam well continues; US well control team en route to assist

New Delhi/Sivasagar: As the gas leak from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited’s (ONGC) RDS#147A well in Assam’s Rudrasagar field stretches into its eighth day, the company said on Thursday that it has undertaken “multiple junk shot operations” and is preparing for the arrival of a specialised international well control team to support its ongoing efforts.

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Junk shot operations underway, dynamic kill preparations begin

In a statement issued on Thursday, ONGC said that it has attempted to contain the gas discharge using a series of junk shot operations. These involve injecting materials into the well to plug the leak, and the company noted that various material and pressure combinations have been used.

“Multiple junk shot operations using different combinations of materials and pressure ranges have been undertaken,” ONGC said.

At the same time, preparations are underway for the next stage of well control. “Preparations for the next phase of well control, including dynamic well killing strategies, are progressing steadily,” the statement added.

US-based experts to join containment effort

To reinforce the response effort, ONGC said it has mobilised an international team of well control experts from the United States, who are expected to arrive at the site by the evening of June 20.

“An international team of well control experts has been mobilised from the United States of America and is expected to reach the site by the evening of 20 June 2025, to augment the response with specialised expertise,” ONGC said. The company did not indicate a timeline for when the gas leak might be brought under full control.

Site safety measures and community support continue

As safety operations continue at the site, ONGC said that water blanketing of the well is being maintained “round-the-clock” to mitigate risk. The company is also working to improve site access by developing an alternate route and has started removing non-essential equipment and temporary housing structures from the immediate area.

“ONGC has initiated the development of an alternate route to facilitate movement of safe and efficient movement in and out of the well site. Further, bunk houses and non-essential equipment are also being removed from the vicinity,” the statement said.

Air quality parameters within limits

Ongoing environmental monitoring shows no indication of dangerous emissions, ONGC said. “Ambient air quality monitoring in and around the well site is being conducted continuously. All parameters, including Particulate Matter (PM) levels and gas concentration, remain well within permissible limits.”

The company also said it is continuing to support affected families in coordination with the district administration.

“ONGC remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of the local community and the environment, and is working in close coordination with national and international experts to resolve the situation at the earliest,” the statement said.

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