Sivasagar: In a significant move to alleviate the immediate distress of families displaced by the ongoing gas leak at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) Well No. RDS-147A in the Rudrasagar oilfield, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹25,000 per affected family. This assistance, drawn from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, is aimed at providing swift support to the over 350 families currently housed in relief camps or with relatives, unable to return to their homes in Bhatiapar Barichuk due to the escalating temperatures and precarious conditions near the leakage site.
Speaking to the media in Dibrugarh, Chief Minister Sarma underscored that this ₹25,000 aid is distinct from any future compensation. He clarified, “This has nothing to do with compensation. If further assistance is needed, I will extend help personally,” indicating a commitment beyond the immediate relief. The Chief Minister explained that the token amount is intended to assist families in purchasing essential items like clothes and educational materials for their children.
Regarding the more substantial issue of compensation, Dr. Sarma affirmed that the matter is being actively pursued with both ONGC and the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. He stated his intention to hold a virtual conference with Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri upon his return to Guwahati to discuss the compensation framework. In a related development, the Assam Chief Secretary has already engaged with the ONGC Chairman, who has assured a prompt visit to the Sivasagar incident site. Furthermore, an expert from the United States has been enlisted to assess and expedite the resolution of the damaged well. The Union Petroleum Secretary has also been briefed and has committed full cooperation, following a high-level meeting convened by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in Delhi on Tuesday to address the crisis.
Chief Minister Sarma reiterated that the paramount objective remains the sealing of the leaking gas well. Only after this critical task is accomplished will the government shift its focus to evaluating and orchestrating appropriate compensation packages for the affected families. He stressed the gravity of the situation, noting, “The situation is critical. Many people are still unable to return to their homes and retrieve belongings. Our immediate concern is to stop the gas leak, then we will talk about compensation.”
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