US experts roped in to assist ONGC in controlling gas leakage in Assam

State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) said experts from the US will help in assisting to control the gas leakage from the company's oil well in Assam's Sivasagar. 

"An international team of well control experts has been mobilised from the United States of America, and is expected to reach the site by the evening of June 20 to augment the response with specialised expertise," mentioned the daily bulletin by ONGC on the gas leakage incident. 

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The blowout occurred on June 12 at a well of Rudrasagar oil field of ONGC at Barichuk of Bhatiapar. Assam Tribune reported a second explosion on June 19 near Rig 147 at the same site, raising concerns about the crisis and the safety protocols. 

ONGC also said it continues to make concerted efforts to control the unabated gas discharge from the well. 

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Previously, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had urged Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep S. Puri to direct the energy major to step up efforts to contain the blowout. The prolonged nature of the incident is causing considerable distress in the surrounding villages, as already more than 330 families have been evacuated from their homes and are being supported by the state government with basic relief and safety measures, he added.

ONGC, in coordination with the district administration, undertook the safe evacuation of affected families and has been providing them with shelter, food, drinking water and other essential daily supplies, reported PTI. 

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