A high-pressure gas blowout at the ONGC’s Rudrasagar Field in Assam’s Sivasagar district has entered its eighth day, displacing over 1,500 residents and drawing sharp criticism from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who accused the company of lacking urgency and seriousness in handling the crisis.
The incident occurred on June 12 at Well RDS‑147 during servicing operations, triggering an uncontrolled release of methane gas at a pressure of 2,500 PSI. Although ONGC reported a reduction in pressure and some containment by June 18, the leak has continued, forcing large-scale evacuations.
Residents of Bhatiapar and Barichuk villages were among the first to flee after a loud explosion of gas was heard. Within a day, 70 families were shifted to relief camps, and the number of evacuees has since swelled to more than 330 families. Most are now in makeshift shelters, with essential supplies being provided by state and district authorities.
While no casualties have been reported, one individual was admitted to the ICU at Jorhat Medical College Hospital with symptoms of suffocation. He is currently stable, according to hospital officials.
ONGC stated that the leaked gas comprises 97% methane, which is non-toxic and disperses into the atmosphere. The Pollution Control Board has also confirmed that local air quality remains within safe limits.
In response to the blowout, ONGC deployed its Crisis Management Team and has employed various containment measures, including high-capacity mud and frack pumps, water blanketing, and junk-pumping techniques. Temporary pipelines are drawing water from the Dikhou River to cool the wellhead and prevent ignition.
Progress was reported on June 18, with ONGC successfully diverting gas to a nearby production facility, helping to reduce pressure. International well-control experts have also been called in to support containment efforts. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed ongoing coordination with global specialists and said he is closely monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the Assam government has announced an immediate relief grant of ₹25,000 per affected family, with plans for additional compensation underway. Emergency response teams, including SDRF, NDRF, and health officials, are engaged in medical care, livestock monitoring, and safety operations.
Despite these measures, public anxiety remains high. Schools have been turned into temporary shelters, disrupting education and daily life. At a press conference in Dibrugarh, CM Sarma expressed concern over ONGC’s “procedural” approach and urged Union Minister Puri for a more aggressive, mission-mode response, warning against complacency. He drew comparisons to the 2020 Baghjan blowout, which burned for five months, stressing the need to avoid a repeat.
ONGC, in a recent statement, said the pressure had plateaued and that they are hopeful for a breakthrough soon.
