Weeklong Assam gas leak: ONGC calls in global experts to contain uncontrolled well; no injuries reported yet
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (
) is bringing in international well-control specialists to help contain an uncontrollable gas leak that has persisted for a week at one of its wells in Assam.
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The leak began on June 13 around 11:45 am during routine servicing operations at Well No. RDS-147, when sudden gushes of natural gas were observed. Although no injuries were reported, the gas has continued to flow unchecked since the incident.
In a statement released on Wednesday, ONGC said, 'ONGC is continuing its focused operations to control the gas flow from well RDS#147A.' The company added that its in-house experts are working round the clock, consulting closely with a global well control agency.
While the name of the agency and the timeline for its arrival were not disclosed, ONGC confirmed that the mobilisation process is already underway.
To mitigate the situation, the well has been successfully linked to a nearby production facility, allowing for partial diversion of the gas in a controlled manner. 'As an additional safety measure, water blanketing of the well is being continuously maintained,' the company added.
Environmental safety measures have also been ramped up. Air quality monitoring by the Pollution Control Board, Assam, indicates that the air quality remains within permissible limits as set by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of the Central Pollution Control Board.
'A thorough analysis of the released gas has been carried out through sample collection, confirming that the gas is non-toxic in nature.
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Being lighter than air, the gas is dispersing upwards into higher altitudes, minimising risk to nearby habitations,' ONGC's statement read.
Noise levels around the site are also under observation and are reportedly within acceptable limits beyond a 500-metre radius.
'Safety of the community and the environment remains ONGC's foremost priority, and all actions are being taken in accordance with regulatory guidelines and industry best practices,' the company said, adding that only essential personnel are being allowed entry into the leak zone.
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