Following a gas blowout at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)'s well RDS#147A in Assam's Rudrasagar oilfield, efforts to control the situation have been significantly augmented by the arrival of a team of well control specialists from the United States. The incident, which occurred on June 12 at a well operated by private contractor S K Petro Services in Barichuk, Sivasagar district, prompted immediate action from ONGC, and now includes international expertise to expedite the containment process and ensure safety.

The team of experts from CUDD Pressure Control, USA, arrived on Friday, June 20, 2025, and immediately began a preliminary assessment of the situation. According to ONGC, the specialists have reviewed the containment strategy already in place and expressed their agreement with the approach and execution carried out by ONGC teams thus far. This endorsement reaffirms the effectiveness of ONGC's strategy to safely manage the well.

ONGC has made substantial progress in controlling the gas blowout, with the flow rate of natural gas having reduced substantially. The company has initiated several safety measures, including continuous 24/7 water blanketing of the area and ongoing flood-level monitoring of the nearby Dikhow River to ensure environmental compliance. Real-time gas detectors are also being used to continuously monitor the low explosive limit (LEL) levels of air around the well site, ensuring the safety of the surrounding environment and population. Nearby residents have been relocated to a relief camp where medical assistance is being provided to those in need.

With the arrival of the US-based experts, ONGC is moving into the next phase of operations. Preparations are underway to remove tubulars from the well, and cranes are being mobilized to assist in clearing the rig floor. An alternate route to the well site is also being developed to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of equipment and personnel.

The incident has drawn attention at high levels of government. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has stated that he is closely monitoring the operations. Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also met with ONGC's chairman, assuring support from the state government to swiftly control the gas leak and safeguard public and environmental safety.

ONGC has deployed its Crisis Management Team, comprised of experienced blowout control specialists, to manage the situation. The company is also coordinating with various agencies and stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response.

While the situation is being managed, memories of the catastrophic 2020 Baghjan blowout linger. However, experts point out key differences. The Sivasagar event involves only natural gas, with no condensate or crude oil release, and the reservoir pressure is relatively low, making the situation more manageable. In contrast, the Baghjan blowout involved high-pressure gas, oil, and condensate and ultimately caught fire, escalating the crisis. Importantly, there has been no fire in the current case.