ONGC Gas Leak: Assam CM requests Petroleum Minister for more advanced approach
The gas blowout which took place on 12 June with gushes of gas observed during servicing operations at well number RDS-147 in Rudrasagar Field, has brought chaos to the livelihood of surrounding people.
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Amid a Major Gas leak at an ONGC well in Assam’s Sivasagar district, around 1000 people have been displaced as the authorities are still struggling to control the situation for a continuous eighth day. The gas blowout which took place on 12 June with gushes of gas observed during servicing operations at well number RDS-147 in Rudrasagar Field, has brought chaos to the livelihood of surrounding people.
However, there is still no report of fire or injuries to personnel so far. Yet the administration of Sivasagar district has evacuated approx 1,500 people from the area around the well in Bhatiapar, and 70 families have been brought to a relief camp in nearby Bangaon.
The company has issued a statement on Wednesday, citing that as per an analysis of the released gas, the collection of gas sample has shown that the gas is non-toxic in nature.
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Further, it added that the gas is lighter than air and is dispersing upwards into higher altitudes, mitigating the risk of nearby habitations.
As per the composition the gas consists around 97% methane and due to its lighter weight is ascends to higher altitudes and does not settle down due to weight.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a writing to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri asking him to advise ONGC to go for a more mission-mode approach as the situation is extended for a week long.
Around 330 families had been evacuated with the help of the state government with basic relief and safety measures.
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Further, the gas at the well was leaking at a pressure of 2,500 PSI (approx) which was reduced on Wednesday as per the official. The official stated that the primary objective is to prevent a fire incident.
The statement issued on Wednesday states that ONGC has successfully connected the well to a nearby production facility and has diverted a portion of the gas in a controlled manner.
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