ONGC struggles to contain gas blowout in Assam well

New Delhi: State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is making efforts to contain an uncontrollable release of natural gas from a well in Assam's Sivasagar district, saying a crisis management team is laying out equipment to bring the well under control. "Efforts are underway to control the continuous gush of gas from the RDS#147A near Bhotiapar in the Rudrasagar field, located in the Sivasagar District," the company said in a statement.

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On June 12, around 11:45 AM, during servicing operations at Well No. RDS-147, gushes of gas were observed from the well. There was, however, no fire or injuries. Upon detection, ONGC immediately activated standard safety protocols. The site was promptly secured, and an emergency response team led by the Asset Manager reached the location without delay.

ONGC had previously said it was confident that the situation would be brought back to normal "very soon". A detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the root cause of the incident. "Crisis Management Team of ONGC is on the job, laying out the necessary equipment for bringing the well under control," it said on Friday.

"The required fluids for the subdue operation have been made ready, and the next step in the operation is expected to start at daybreak tomorrow."

In view of the presence of gas, entry to the location is being restricted to the concerned operational personnel only, the statement added.

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