A sudden gas leak at an ONGC oil well in Sivasagar district has triggered emergency evacuations and raised significant health and environmental concerns. The incident occurred early this morning, drawing rapid response from ONGC officials, the district administration, and emergency services.
This is the latest in a series of oil and gas mishaps in Assam, and residents are demanding stricter oversight and safety enforcement from authorities.
ONGC Well Leak in Sivasagar: What Happened?
At around 3:45 AM, villagers near Baghjan in Sivasagar district noticed unusual gas activity. A loud hissing sound, followed by a pungent smell, led many to alert local authorities. The leak originated from surface equipment connected to the active oil well.
The district administration acted quickly. They contacted ONGC’s crisis team, who reached the site with high-pressure safety systems and started plugging the leak.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. Public safety is our top priority,” said the Sivasagar Deputy Commissioner.
Evacuation and Emergency Measures Underway
To ensure public safety, officials evacuated over 80 families from Demow, Moranhat, and nearby hamlets. Emergency shelters were arranged within hours. Medical teams screened residents for symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and respiratory irritation.
So far, no serious injuries have been reported. However, local health workers remain on alert, especially for children and older people residents who may be vulnerable to gas exposure.
For real-time updates, visit the Assam State Disaster Management Authority
Rising Environmental and Public Health Concerns
This incident has intensified ongoing concerns about oil and gas drilling in ecologically sensitive areas of Assam. Environmentalists have expressed worry over potential contamination of groundwater and the impact on local biodiversity.
The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, though not immediately threatened, lies within a critical radius of hydrocarbon operations in Upper Assam. Experts are calling for a comprehensive environmental risk assessment.
“We’ve seen Baghjan in 2020. We don’t want a repeat,” said Ananya Goswami, an environmental activist from Dibrugarh.
ONGC Responds to the Sivasagar Leak
Shortly after the leak began, ONGC engineers initiated control measures and shut down the well’s flow line. By noon, the gas leak had slowed significantly.
ONGC released a statement confirming that:
- The leak is under control
- A technical fault caused the gas escape
- A full inquiry is now underway
ONGC also announced plans to strengthen public awareness about gas safety in hydrocarbon areas.
See ONGC’s latest public statement at www.ongcindia.com
What Should Residents Do Now?
If you live near the Sivasagar well site, follow these precautions:
- Avoid the area until clearance is issued
- Wear masks to minimize inhalation of gas
- Report any symptoms like nausea or headaches to nearby medical camps
- Follow all evacuation advisories from district authorities
In case of emergency, call Assam’s disaster helpline: 1070 or ONGC’s crisis number: 1800-233-3444
A Wake-Up Call for Oil Safety in Assam
The ONGC Well Leak in Sivasagar is a clear reminder of the risks associated with energy extraction in densely populated and ecologically rich regions. Although quick emergency response helped avoid a disaster, the incident has exposed cracks in the safety and regulatory framework.
As ONGC works to plug the leak and investigate the root cause, citizens and environmentalists alike are pushing for greater transparency, regular audits, and public accountability.
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