Sivasagar, June 21: A three-member team of well control specialists from Cudd Well Control, USA, arrived in Assam’s Sivasagar on Friday to help contain the gas blowout at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) Rudrasagar rig (RDS-147 A), which has been spewing uncontrolled gas for nine days since June 12.

The deployment of the renowned US team marks a critical escalation in ONGC’s emergency response, after several attempts by its crisis management team—including multiple “junk shot” operations—failed to stop the gas discharge. Nearly 350 families have been evacuated from nearby areas and remain in relief camps as the situation remains volatile.

“The international experts have been briefed on all past containment efforts. They have conducted a site inspection and are set to begin their specialised well control operations from Saturday morning,” a senior ONGC official told reporters.

Known globally for managing complex well control and firefighting operations, the Cudd Well Control team immediately held consultations with top ONGC officials before visiting the site for a detailed assessment. Their analysis will guide the next phase of intervention, which may involve advanced well-killing techniques to cap the blowout.

The blowout has emerged as one of Assam’s most serious industrial incidents in recent years, with operations at the Rudrasagar oil field—one of ONGC’s key production assets in the region—brought to a standstill.

To prevent secondary hazards, ONGC has implemented continuous water blanketing at the well mouth and established round-the-clock air quality monitoring systems. According to officials, gas pressure at the well has dropped from 2600 psi to 500 psi over the past few days.

“Our monitoring shows air quality remains within safe limits even within 50–100 metres of the well,” the ONGC official said.

Preparatory work for advanced well-capping operations is already underway. Engineers have cleared non-essential equipment from the vicinity and created alternate access routes to ensure safer movement of personnel and machinery.

Meanwhile, the Sivasagar district administration is working closely with ONGC to support the displaced families.

“We are ensuring all necessary assistance is provided to the affected people in relief camps. Public safety remains our highest priority,” said Sivasagar Deputy Commissioner Ayush Garg.

Also Read: Over 5,000 foreign social media accounts backing Assam Congress: CM flags national security concern

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