Sivasagar: The prolonged ordeal for residents near the ONGC crude well at Bhatiapar, Sivasagar, is finally drawing to a close as the oil major’s multi-pronged efforts to contain the persistent gas leak enter their decisive final stages. Officials from ONGC are optimistic about achieving complete control shortly, with international specialists collaborating relentlessly with the company’s Crisis Management Team (CMT) in round-the-clock operations.
The leak, which initially threatened some 75 households, spiralled into a larger humanitarian concern, displacing over 3,000 individuals as noxious emissions necessitated extensive evacuations. Affected residents, while relieved at the prospect of the leak being plugged, are now turning their attention towards securing fair compensation and sustained governmental assistance to navigate the lasting impact of the incident.
In a recent public communique, ONGC gave the green light for residents living beyond a 500-metre radius of the leak site to return to their homes. Scientific assessments conducted on-ground have reassuringly indicated no trace of hydrocarbon presence beyond 30 metres from the well, a development ONGC has hailed as “positive.”
Further good news from the site includes a noticeable reduction in gas pressure within the well, making the area considerably safer for engineers to proceed with the crucial final sealing operations. To avert any potential fire hazards, ONGC has been diligently implementing continuous ‘water blanketing,’ a technique designed to suppress volatile gases.
The intricate well capping process, a technically demanding and inherently risky undertaking, is currently underway. The response team has already successfully cleared over 10 trailer-loads of rig components, with the majority of the derrick structure now dismantled. The operation’s critical next step involves the removal of tubing from the derrick using a long boom crane, a task that precedes the well’s permanent sealing.
To facilitate this crucial phase, heavy machinery and specialised equipment are being transported to the site. ONGC has underscored the gravity of this operation, describing it as one of its most delicate and high-stakes field endeavours in recent memory.
In the interim, ONGC continues to extend its support to the district administration in managing ongoing relief efforts. Medical services are available round-the-clock for evacuees residing in relief camps. The corporation has reiterated its steadfast commitment to the well-being of the affected populace, acknowledging the imperative for long-term support as the community embarks on its recovery journey.
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