CM says ONGC to permanently cap leaking well in Sivasagar, US team in Assam

Time of India

4 hours ago

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Dibrugarh: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced that the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) will permanently cap its leaking crude oil well in Sivasagar district after two emergency efforts failed to contain the gas blowout.
"Plan A and B failed to control the escalating gas leak crisis at ONGC's Rudrasagar Field in Sivasagar. Today morning ONGC chairman informed me that the company will activate Plan C, which is permanent capping of the well for controlling the gas leak," Sarma said.
"Capping of the well will begin tomorrow and will be carried out in consultation with the US experts. It is expected to be completed within the next four or five days," Sarma said.
A three-member team from Cudd Well Control, USA, arrived in Sivasagar on Friday afternoon to assist with the crisis. The involvement of the US specialists marks a significant escalation in containment efforts, as nearly 350 families remain displaced in relief camps due to the prolonged emergency.
Multiple containment attempts, including several "junk shot" operations by ONGC's crisis management team, have failed to stop the hazardous gas discharge.
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The US team, known for its expertise in well control and blowouts, began site assessments immediately upon arrival.
"The international experts were given a detailed briefing on the situation and past efforts. They've conducted a firsthand assessment of the site and will begin their specialised intervention on Saturday morning," said a senior ONGC official.
Following high-level consultations with ONGC leadership, the American team proceeded to the site for a detailed situational analysis to determine the advanced techniques required to cap the well safely.
Meanwhile, ONGC engineers have been preparing for the capping effort by clearing non-essential equipment and developing an alternate access route to facilitate safer movement around the volatile zone.
The ongoing crisis has raised concerns over environmental fallout and the wellbeing of displaced residents. The Sivasagar district administration continues to coordinate with ONGC to support for the 350 affected families staying in relief camps.
"We are providing all necessary assistance to the families and remain in close coordination with ONGC's emergency team. Our top priority is public safety and supporting the well-control operations," said Sivasagar deputy commissioner Ayush Garg.
The Rudrasagar oil field is a key production asset for ONGC in Assam, but operations have been halted while containment efforts continue.