Guwahati, June 18: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has written to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri expressing serious concern over the ongoing gas blowout at ONGC’s well RDS-147A in Barichuk-Bhatiapar, Sivasagar district.
The blowout occurred on June 12 during servicing operations and remains unresolved.
In a strongly worded letter dated June 17, Sarma said ONGC’s technical efforts—such as water blanketing, high-volume mud pumping, and junk shots—have failed to bring the situation under control, with pressure persisting at the well. The Chief Minister noted that more than 330 families have been evacuated and are housed in relief camps set up by the state government.
“The prolonged nature of the incident is causing considerable distress in the surrounding villages,” Sarma stated, adding that ONGC’s response lacks urgency and visibility when compared to similar incidents in the past.
“Unlike previous incidents handled with a war footing, the current approach appears procedural and lacking in visibility.”
Sarma, who visited the affected area and relief camp on June 16, assured displaced residents that their concerns would be escalated to the highest level.
He urged the Centre to direct ONGC to reinforce both its technical and leadership presence on site and to adopt a mission-mode approach to bring the situation under control.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for ONGC to engage more actively with the local communities to restore public confidence.
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