Sivasagar: A Successful Capping of the ONGC Well Blowout
Oil Drilling Site in Assam Plugged After 16-Day Leakage: As Announced by Hardeep Singh Puri
In a major breakthrough, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed that ONGC successfully capped the blowout of their crude oil well in Assam's Sivasagar district, ending a 16-day-long gas leakage. The operation, concluded on Friday, was carried out without any accidents, injury, or fire.
In a post on X, Mr. Puri shared the news, stating, "ONGC has successfully capped the blowout of well RDS#147A at 1115 hours today." This monumental blowout had begun on June 12, and the quick and strategic efforts taken ensured a swift resolution following best practices.
The crisis management team of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), joined by international well control experts, worked tirelessly to put an end to the gas well blowout. Their meticulous planning, combined with their concerted efforts, led to the successful capping of the well without incident. This achievement confirms the proficiency of ONGC's crisis management.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state government officials extended their support to the on-ground team during the entire ordeal. Mr. Puri expressed his gratitude towards their help.
The Blowout had occurred at Well No RDS 147A of Rig No SKP 135 in the Rudrasagar oil field, located at Bhatiapar–Barichuk. The well was being operated by a private firm, SK Petro Services, on behalf of the state-run Maharatna company. To ensure the safety of the nearby residents, around 350 families were evacuated from the affected areas.
This incident demonstrates the challenges involved in well control operations and the paramount importance of coordinated crisis response in the oil and gas sector. As the experts navigate the demands of industry and our environment, we can take comfort in their relentless pursuit of safety and efficiency.
The successful capping of the ONGC well blowout in the oil and gas sector serves as a testament to the expertise and strategic planning in the industry, particularly in finance-intensive operations like oil-and-gas. This incident underscores the need for prompt and coordinated crisis response in the energy sector to ensure public safety and minimise environmental impact.