Sivasagar, June 18: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) officials today convened a press conference at the Bongaon High School relief camp in Sivasagar, addressing the persistent gas leakage from its rig sites 147(A) and 135 at Bhatiyapara, ongoing since June 12. Bhaskar Chowdhury, Executive Director of ONGC Assam Asset (Nettem), fronted the media, expressing gratitude for the district administration’s cooperation and assuring that all measures are being taken to bring the situation under complete control.
Chowdhury stated, “We are making every possible attempt to contain the gas leak. The situation is currently under control, though a definitive timeline for cessation cannot be provided yet.” He highlighted the relentless work of ONGC’s firefighting team, operating under the guidance of both national and international experts.
“Experts have advised continuous cooling of the leakage site with water, and we are implementing this with utmost urgency,” he added. Chowdhury also dispelled rumours regarding the relocation of ONGC’s Sivasagar operations, asserting that such reports were baseless and that ONGC remains committed to the region’s development. Regarding S.K. Petro, a private contractor implicated in the incident, ONGC confirmed an internal investigation has been launched. “We have learned from this incident and will work to prevent such occurrences in the future. Action will be taken against S.K. Petro based on the findings of the investigation report,” Chowdhury affirmed, adding that S.K. Petro currently operates six rigs in Sivasagar.