GUWAHATI, May 2: An early morning eruption of unidentified substances from a borewell at a residence in Bokajan, located in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, sparked panic and prompted swift action from authorities amid fears of a potential gas leak.
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Friday at Shankar Kumar’s home in the Khatkhati area, near the CRPF group centre. Eyewitnesses reported black smoke and a hissing sound from the borewell, leading to speculation of a gas leak or subterranean pressure release.
Karbi Anglong District Commissioner Nirola Phanchopi confirmed that an apparent gas leak was first noticed on Thursday evening around 5 pm while a well was being dug to a depth of approximately 450 feet. “Black smoke was observed from the site, and as a precautionary measure, we evacuated nearby residents and deployed the Fire and Emergency Services to the location,” she stated.
The eruption has now stopped, but the district administration continues to restrict movement in the area due to concerns over a possible gas leak.
Although a team of experts from ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) based in Uriamghat and Surapathar in neighbouring Golaghat district visited the site and ruled out the presence of oil or natural gas, the exact nature of the eruption remains unclear. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
To ensure public safety, the district administration issued restrictions within a 200-metre radius of the eruption site. A notice from the Additional District Magistrate of Bokajan stated that all movement of people and materials in the area will be halted until the residual substances are analysed for traces of any hazardous gases. The samples have been sent to ONGC’s laboratory in Dehradun for testing, and an expert team from the Geological Survey of India is expected to arrive for further inspection.
As of the latest reports, the eruption has ceased, and officials remain on high alert. Residents have been advised to stay away from the restricted zone and await further updates from the administration.
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