OIL expects to cap well blowout in Baghjan in next 2-3 days

• The authorities will review the situation every day and if all goes well, we should be able to begin the main operation to cap the well by July 17 or 18, said the spokesperson

• Good progress in debris removal activities has been made and transfer of materials required for well capping operations is in progress, said OIL

New Delhi: After an assessment of the ground situation on Tuesday, state-run OIL is expecting to cap the oil well in Baghjan, Assam, by July 17 or 18, an official spokesperson for the company told PSU Watch. The spokesperson, however, added, "This is subject to the condition on the ground… The authorities will review the situation every day and if all goes well, we should be able to begin the main operation to cap the well by July 17 or 18." The well in Baghjan, which is owned by OIL, has been leaking gas uncontrollably since May 27.

PSU Watch had earlier reported that the well was expected to be capped by July 15, however, progress of the capping operation was impeded by heavy rainfall and floods in the area. 

Floodwater recedes, transfer of materials for well capping in progress

In an official statement released on Tuesday, OIL said, "Good progress of debris removal activities were achieved yesterday. The carrier and major part of pipes have been removed. With this, all major debris has been removed, except the sub-structure of the rig and a few drill pipes and some miscellaneous items in and around the cellar area. Removal of the debris has been started again from since morning today. At the time of reporting, all debris have been removed from the well plinth and small items are being swept away."

It added that transfer of materials required for well capping operations is in progress in Baghjan. The receding of floodwater has facilitated the movement and readying of pumps and required equipment for the final operation.

Baghjan well blowout: 1,383 families surveyed so far

Meanwhile, surveys for assessment of damage for compensation in both Tinsukia and Doomdooma Circle took place on Tuesday. At least 10 more families were surveyed on July 13, taking the total family surveyed in Doomdooma Circle to 559.  Assessment of burnt houses was carried out with the help of PWD (Building) division, Mandals and Gaonburah in the presence of Election Officer and owners. Around 88 more families were surveyed on July 13 in Tinsukia Circle, taking the total family surveyed till July 13 in Tinsukia circle to 824. The total number of families surveyed till July 13 in Tinsukia and Doomdooma circle is 1,383, said the statement.

OIL has lost 12,216 MT of crude oil, 22.04 MMSCM of natural gas

Due to stoppage and blockades, OIL reported a production loss of 452 MT of crude oil and 1.57 MMSCM of natural gas on July 13. Operations were disrupted at 11 oil wells and five gas wells. The cumulative production loss since May 27 due to bandhs and blockades stands at 12,216 MT of crude oil and 22.04 MMSCM of natural gas.

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