A significant gas leak at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) oilfield in Rudrasagar, Sivasagar district, Assam, has led to the evacuation of approximately 70 families from their homes. The incident, which involved a blast and subsequent gas leak, occurred at well no RDS 147A of Rig No SKP 135, operated by a private contractor, SK Petro Services, on behalf of ONGC. The event has triggered widespread panic among the local population, bringing back memories of the devastating Baghjan blowout and oil fire of May 2020.
According to reports, the gas leak started during regular servicing operations at the well. ONGC officials stated that gushes of gas were observed, prompting the immediate activation of standard safety protocols. The district administration swiftly cordoned off a one-kilometer radius around the site to ensure public safety. Authorities have evacuated around 1,200 people, comprising 137 households, to safe zones and relief camps located approximately two kilometers away from the affected area. These evacuees are being provided with cooked food and medical assistance is on standby.
ONGC has mobilized its Crisis Management Team to manage the situation, focusing on bringing the well under control. Necessary equipment for subduing the well has been deployed, with operations expected to continue through the night. Entry to the site remains restricted to essential operational personnel due to the hazardous presence of gas. The company has also initiated a detailed investigation to determine the root cause of the incident.
The Rudrasagar oilfield, where the incident occurred, is one of the oldest in India, with production dating back to the 1960s. Locals have reported that a similar blowout occurred in 1964 in close proximity to the current site. The recent incident has heightened fears of a potential fire, reminiscent of the Baghjan disaster, where a gas well spewed gas uncontrollably for 173 days before catching fire, resulting in significant environmental damage and displacement.
The 2020 Baghjan incident, which involved a well operated by Oil India Limited (OIL), led to the evacuation of around 800 families initially, with the situation worsening after the well caught fire. The incident raised serious concerns about environmental safety and the impact of oil and gas operations on local communities and biodiversity hotspots.
In response to the Rudrasagar incident, ONGC has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, environmental care, and community well-being. The company is working to reassure the public that the situation will be normalized soon and that the safety of personnel and surrounding areas remains their top priority. Reinforcement teams and technical specialists have been deployed to expedite the process of bringing the well under control.
