HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, June 22: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), in collaboration with international well control specialists from Cudd Pressure Control, is in the final stages of preparation for the “final kill” operation at Well No. RDS#147A at Barichuk, Bhatiapar in Sivasagar district, where a blowout occurred on the morning of June 12.
According to an official release issued by ONGC on Sunday, a significant progress has been made at the site with the successful removal of ten trailer loads of rig material by the Crisis Management Team.
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The clearance of the site has paved the way for the upcoming well capping operation.
To facilitate the complex procedure, heavy equipment necessary for the final capping process is being mobilised to the site.
In tandem, expert teams have conducted a detailed inspection of the elevated portion of the rig mast to plan the safe removal of the tubing stacked in the rig.
A specialised long-boom crane is being brought in for this critical operation and is expected to be deployed at the earliest.
Air quality monitoring at and around the site is ongoing.
As per the current readings, there are no detectable hydrocarbon traces beyond a 30-metre radius from the well.
Based on these assessments, residents living beyond a 500-metre radius from the incident site have been advised that it is now safe to return to their homes and resume daily activities, including cooking and use of electricity.
ONGC has also reported a further decline in gas pressure from the well, a development that is expected to enhance safety during the capping process.
As a preventive measure, water blanketing of the well is being maintained round-the-clock to suppress any potential flammable emissions.
Meanwhile, ONGC continues to extend full support to the district administration at the relief camps.
The corporation is providing round-the-clock medical assistance to those affected, reiterating its commitment to the safety and well-being of the local population in the operational zone.
The final kill operation is expected to bring an end to the ongoing gas leak crisis, with all agencies involved working in close coordination to ensure a safe and controlled resolution.
