Parliament Question: Gas Leak Incident in Assam

LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 64 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.07.2025 Gas Leak Incident in Assam *64. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI: SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI: प(cid:282)े ो(cid:871)लयम और (cid:292)ाकृ(cid:467)तक गैस म(cid:287)ं ी Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has ordered a formal inquiry into the recent gas leak incident reported at ONGC Rudrasagar Oil field in Sivasagar district of Assam which has forced hundreds of residents to seek shelter in relief camps and if so, the details thereof; (b) the preliminary findings, if any, regarding the cause of the leak and the role of the oil and gas companies operating in the affected area; (c) whether any compensation has been announced or funds are being disbursed by the Government to the affected families including those who have been displaced or suffered health impacts and if so, the details thereof along with the other disaster relief and long-term rehabilitation measures taken in this regard; (d) the steps being taken by the Government to address the fears of residents who have reportedly stopped using LPG cylinders due to safety concerns; (e) whether any long-term measures have been taken by the Government to ensure stricter monitoring, emergency preparedness and public safety in areas with oil and gas infrastructure and if so, the details thereof; (f) the details regarding last upgradation of infrastructure facility and the steps being taken to upgrade other such facilities across the country; and (g) whether the Government has commissioned a health and environmental study to assess the impact of the blowout on the area's ecosystem and residents and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER प(cid:282)े ो(cid:871)लयम एव ं (cid:292)ाकृ(cid:467)तक गैस म(cid:287)ं ी ((cid:302)ी हरद(cid:547)प (cid:871)सहं परु (cid:547)) MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI) (a) to (g): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (g) in respect of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 64 for reply on 24.07.2025 regarding ‘Gas Leak Incident in Assam’ asked by Shri Gaurav Gogoi and Shri Pradyut Bordoloi (a) to (g) :On 12 June 2025, a gas release incident was reported at ONGC’s Well RDS-147A in the Rudrasagar Oil Field, located in Sivasagar district, Assam. Responding swiftly and in full compliance with established safety procedures, ONGC activated its specialized teams to handle the incident. Working in close coordination with the District Administration and supported by international well control experts, a technically demanding and time-bound response was executed. The well was safely brought under control on 27 June 2025. The structured handling of the incident, adherence to safety protocols, and continuous on-ground coordination ensured that there were no injuries, fatalities, fire, or toxic emissions — underscoring the effectiveness of the incident preparedness mechanisms in place. In line with its mandate, the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas initiated a formal enquiry into the incident. The preliminary findings confirmed that the event caused no injuries, fatalities, fire, or toxic gas emissions. Gas analysis revealed the release of non-toxic methane (97.5%), with no presence of hydrogen sulphide or liquid hydrocarbons. Environmental parameters, including air and noise levels, were monitored by the Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) and ONGC throughout the response period. All values remained within the limits prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). There was no reported impact on drinking water or agriculture. The Dikhow River embankment, which had been temporarily used during the emergency response, was fully restored following the operation. Concurrently the District Administration, as a preventive measure, activated disaster management protocols. Approximately 350 families — around 1,500 individuals — were temporarily relocated to nine fully equipped relief camps. The State Government ensured the provision of meals, safe drinking water, sanitation, and medical support in these camps. To provide immediate financial relief, ₹25,000 was disbursed to each of 357 affected families under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). ONGC actively supported these efforts by supplying essential items, meals, and drinking water, deploying its medical teams and doctors, organizing mobile health camps, and providing ambulance services. The company also coordinated logistics with the respective stakeholders and contributed to the restoration of flood-damaged embankments. After the well was safely capped, ONGC advised the residents that it was safe to return home. Accordingly, all relocated families have returned to their homes. The use of LPG and electricity has been resumed. Local officials and ONGC personnel engaged directly with communities to dispel apprehensions and facilitate resettlement. Over 3,000 safety masks and earplugs were distributed to mitigate discomfort due to odour or noise. In parallel with immediate response and relief, Government continues to implement a comprehensive framework for public safety and operational resilience in the oil and gas sector. This includes regular safety audits and inspections by OISD, compliance with rigorous technical standards for well construction and emergency preparedness, periodic updates of safety guidelines in line with global best practices, andmandatory disaster management plans with on-ground simulations. These measures are particularly crucial in high-sensitivity operational zones like Assam. Complementing these safety mechanisms, ONGC has undertaken significant infrastructure modernization efforts across the country. Over the past five years, nine major projects have been completed with a cumulative investment of ₹8,416 crore. In Assam, key projects either completed or in progress include: • Pipeline Network Project (PNP), Geleky – ₹277 crore (completed), • New Flare Systems at Rudrasagar and Geleky – ₹76 crore, • Gas Compression Plants at Lakwa (₹119 crore, commissioned) and Geleky (₹164 crore, under progress), • PNP Rudrasagar – ₹344 crore (ongoing), • PNP Laiplingoan – ₹64 crore (initiated), • New Gas Compressor Plant (GCP) at Geleky – ₹164 crore (in progress). These upgrades reflect the Government’s long-term commitment to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible hydrocarbon operations in the state of Assam. The Government remains focused on leveraging the resource potential in the region, including from the resources connected through this capped well, in a safe, sustainable, and technically sound manner, ensuring that economic opportunity is balanced with environmental stewardship and public welfare. ***