HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, June 18: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has yet to contain the uncontrolled gas outflow from the wellhead of RDS 147 A at Barichuk Bhatiapar, even as the crisis entered its sixth day on Wednesday.
Despite continuous efforts by the 20-member ONGC Crisis Management Team (CMT), attempts to plug the leak through conventional Heavy Mud Injection and Junk Shot methods have so far failed.
The ONGC is reportedly considering the engagement of foreign experts, similar to those deployed during the Baghjan gas well disaster in 2020, to deal with the escalating situation.
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Public anger continues to intensify in Sivasagar district.
The Joutha Samgrami Mancha (JSM), a joint platform comprising several youth organisations including Sangrami Yuva Chatra Parishad, Jatiya Samgrami Mancha, and SC Students’ Union, staged a protest outside the ONGC Colony gate demanding safety for residents living near ONGC’s operational areas, adequate compensation for the affected families in Bhatiapar, and a ban on the SK Petro rig allegedly responsible for the blowout.
The JSM has submitted memoranda to both the Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC and the Chief Minister of Assam.
Meanwhile, the Bir Lachit Sena, led by Shringkhal Chaliha, gheraoed the SK Petro office at Phukan Nagar.
The organisation demanded Rs 1 lakh compensation for each affected family and Rs 1 crore for the family of the deceased due to the explosion.
Chaliha warned of intensified agitation against the private rig operator.
Residents near the site continue to suffer due to the deafening noise of the high-pressure gas flow and suspected chemical emissions.
Many have reported health issues such as headaches and irritation, according to medical teams deployed in the area.
An ONGC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, attributed the blowout to the failure of a geological study team.
The gas is reportedly flowing at over 5,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), rendering the Blowout Preventer ineffective.
Allegations have also emerged that certain ONGC personnel may be deliberately undermining the operations of the Assam Asset to portray it as an unviable field, potentially paving the way for privatisation.
Vikram Saxena, Director (Technical and Field Services), is personally overseeing the blowout control operation, which involves the use of multiple water jets drawing water from the nearby Dikhow river.
At the Bongaon High School relief camp, where many affected families have taken shelter, complaints have arisen over irregularities in aid distribution.
Some teachers reported that individuals outside the affected area have received the Rs 25,000 compensation announced by the chief minister, while some genuinely affected residents have been overlooked.
Protesters ‘gheraoed’ the Block Development Office in Gaurisagar over the issue.
The Water Resources Department has deployed staff to ensure uninterrupted lifting of water from the Dikhow river.
Local residents expressed fear over a possible disaster if the gas ignites.
Dhan Chutia and his wife said they are forced to leave their home after 4 pm and stay with relatives due to safety concerns. Their livestock and poultry are also facing severe distress.
Anjumoni Phukan, wife of Dayananda Chutia, broke down while expressing her fear of a repeat of the Baghjan tragedy.
