OIL finally kills, caps and abandons well blowout site in Baghjan

• 'OIL declared Emergency Situation for its internal control purposes. Today, after final abandonment of the well, the Emergency Declaration has been withdrawn,' said OIL

• The oil blowout in Assam's Baghjan was one of the worst industrial disasters of the state which lasted for around 190 days

Duliajan: After six months, state-run Oil India Limited (OIL) has finally been able to wrap up all work pertaining to the capping, killing and final abandonment of the well in Assam's Baghjan that began leaking gas uncontrollably on May 27 this year. In an official statement released on Friday, OIL said, "Consequent upon uncontrolled flow of Natural Gas and Blowout at Baghjan well No 5 on 27th May, 2020, OIL declared Emergency Situation for its internal control purposes. Today, after final abandonment of the well, the Emergency Declaration has been withdrawn with immediate effect."

"All the jobs pertaining to capping, killing and final abandonment of the well was successfully completed in the evening hours on 3rd December 2020," said the statement.

Baghjan well blowout

The oil blowout in Assam's Baghjan was one of the worst industrial disasters of the state which lasted for around 190 days. The incident has been particularly dangerous because of the oilfield's proximity to the Dibru Saikhowa national park, which is a biodiversity hotspot, and the famous migratory bird habitat Maguri-Motapung Beel. A well blowout means an uncontrolled escape of crude oil or natural gas from an oil well. Oil and natural gas have been seeping into the nearby wetlands which are home to a variety of species and the atmosphere for 17 days now and has killed animals in the vicinity.

'OIL has deposited compensation amount to Tinsukia DC's office'

"OIL Management expresses its gratitude to the brave Oilindians who laid down their lives while performing their duties at Baghjan," the statement said. 

ALSO READ: Baghjan well leaking gas for 2 months now; OIL set to extend capping schedule again

While expressing its gratitude to all the residents of the nearby areas around the blowout site for their patience and support to OIL during this period, OIL said, "We can assure all stakeholders that OIL will remain a people's company with support of the residents of its operational areas. Meanwhile, OIL has already deposited the requisite amount to the office of Deputy Commissioner, Tinsukia, towards compensation to all concerned as per the interim order of the NGT and advice of DC, Tinsukia."

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