ONGC clears major hurdle in Sivasagar blowout control effort
Dibrugarh: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on Wednesday achieved a critical milestone in its effort to control the ongoing blowout at the Rudrasagar well in Sivasagar, which has been spewing gas uncontrollably for 14 days since the incident began on June 12.
In a step forward, an extra-long boom crane and a 40-tonne crane worked in tandem to remove 42 tubing stands from the derrick, clearing the way for the safe extraction of the rig base from the wellhead.
With the rig base now removed, ONGC will proceed to dismantle the blowout preventer and install a capping stack — a vital phase in sealing the well. The company cautioned that gas discharge may temporarily intensify during this step, but reassured the public that the emissions are non-toxic, with volumes significantly reduced and posing no threat beyond a 500-metre radius.
In a statement, ONGC said the operation is being executed with utmost precision and layered safety protocols, including continuous water blanketing to suppress gas emissions. It is collaborating with CUDD Well Control, a US-based firm specialist in well intervention, to ensure a seamless operation.
Rising water levels in the Dikhow river have posed logistical challenges, threatening to delay equipment deployment.
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In response, ONGC teams are repositioning high-capacity pumps to maintain uninterrupted support for critical safety systems.
"Ambient air quality continues to be rigorously monitored, with all key. parameters well within permissible limits. Medical and relief camps also remain operational, ensuring the well-being of personnel and nearby communities. ONGC reiterates its commitment to operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and community safety, and continues to work with determination to bring this complex operation to a safe and successful conclusion," ONGC in a statement said.
As the operation enters its most delicate phase, focus now shifts to the successful installation of the capping stack — marking a decisive step toward ending the blowout.
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