For a week, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has been grappling with an uncontrolled natural gas leak from a well in Assam's Sivasagar district. The incident, which began on June 12, 2025, at well RDS#147A in the Rudrasagar field, has prompted the company to seek international expertise to contain the situation. While there have been no reported injuries, the uncontrolled release of gas has raised concerns about flammability and potential environmental damage, leading to the evacuation of local communities.

ONGC has initiated a multi-pronged approach to tackle the leak. In-house well control experts are working around the clock, consulting with international well control agencies. The company has also begun mobilizing an international team to the site to bolster containment efforts. According to ONGC, the well has been connected to a nearby production facility to divert a portion of the gas in a controlled manner. Additionally, a water blanket is being continuously maintained to cool the well and prevent potential fires.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been closely monitoring the situation. He stated that the state government is working in tandem with ONGC and the central government to resolve the crisis. Following discussions between Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota and ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh, it was decided to bring in an expert from the United States to assist in containing the leak. Sarma has also assured that the government will provide financial assistance of ₹25,000 to each affected family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Over 1,500 people from nearby villages have been evacuated and are currently housed in relief camps where they are provided with shelter, food, clean water, and essential supplies.

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held a meeting in Delhi to assess the situation and the measures being taken. He noted that the gas flow has persisted due to extraordinarily high pressure within the well. Puri also stated that high-tech methods such as "junk pumping" are being deployed. "Junk pumping" is a technique used to plug the well by injecting debris and other materials to block the flow of gas.

ONGC has stated that the released gas is non-toxic and, being lighter than air, disperses upwards, minimizing risks to nearby habitations. Air quality monitoring, conducted by the Pollution Control Board of Assam, indicates that air quality parameters are within permissible limits according to national standards. The noise levels are also being monitored and are reportedly within acceptable limits beyond 500 meters from the site.

The situation remains a high priority for both ONGC and the Assam government. Efforts are focused on bringing the gas leak under control as quickly and safely as possible, with ongoing attention to the well-being of the affected communities and the surrounding environment.