1,000 displaced by gas leak at ONGC well in Assam, Himanta writes to minister Hardeep Puri: ‘Perception of inadequate urgency’

Sivasagar, Assam – June 19, 2025:
A gas leak from an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well in Assam’s Sivasagar district forced over 1,000 people to evacuate. The incident occurred on Tuesday night near the Baghjan oilfield, spreading panic across several nearby villages.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised concerns in a letter to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. He criticized the lack of urgency shown by ONGC and the Centre. He requested immediate central assistance to manage the crisis and ensure public safety.

Gas Leak Triggers Mass Evacuation

Residents of Santak, Tamulbari, and Mora Bharali villages heard a loud hissing noise before a strong gas smell spread. Villagers quickly left their homes to escape the toxic air.

“Our children began coughing. The smell was unbearable. Officials came and told us to leave immediately,” said Dimbeswar Das, a local resident.

Officials moved more than 1,000 residents to temporary relief camps. Medical teams are monitoring those affected. Many complained of nausea, breathing issues, and throat irritation.

Himanta Urges Centre’s Immediate Intervention

In his letter to Minister Puri, Chief Minister Sarma wrote:

“We acted quickly to protect lives. But the people feel that ONGC and the Ministry are not responding fast enough. This may reduce public trust and create unrest.”

He asked the Union government to send a technical team to assess and fix the leak. He also called for compensation and long-term health support for those affected. The Chief Minister urged a review of ONGC’s safety protocols in sensitive areas like Assam.

ONGC Faces Backlash Over Response

ONGC confirmed the leak and said its emergency team is working to control it. “We are doing everything we can to ensure public safety,” the company said in a brief statement.

However, locals and environmentalists have criticized the company’s slow response and poor communication. Many recalled the 2020 Baghjan blowout, which caused major ecological damage and led to fatalities.

“This shows ONGC hasn’t learned from past mistakes,” said a local activist. “They continue to drill in fragile zones with weak safety measures.”

Environmental Concerns Resurface

Environmental experts warned that frequent leaks highlight serious risks to Assam’s ecosystems. Dr. Rashmi Deka, a Guwahati-based scientist, said the region cannot afford another environmental disaster.

“Assam is rich in biodiversity. Oil and gas drilling here must follow stricter rules,” she said.

The Assam Pollution Control Board may launch a probe into possible safety violations. Several NGOs have already approached the National Green Tribunal to step in.

Relief Efforts Underway

The Sivasagar district administration and the Assam State Disaster Management Authority have set up relief camps. These camps provide food, clean water, and medical supplies.

Deputy Commissioner Megha Nidhi Dahal assured that the situation is under control. “We’re working with ONGC to resolve the issue quickly,” she said.

Still, residents remain fearful. “We don’t want to return until we know it’s safe,” said Rina Bora, a mother of three staying at one of the shelters.

Political Impact Builds

The gas leak has sparked political tension in Assam. Opposition leaders criticized the state and central governments for neglecting safety in industrial operations.

Congress MLA Debabrata Saikia said, “The government talks about development, but people are paying the price.”

With by-elections coming soon, political parties are likely to highlight the incident during their campaigns.

What Lies Ahead

ONGC engineers are trying to seal the leak, while local authorities continue relief efforts. The National Disaster Response Force remains on standby in case conditions worsen.

Chief Minister Sarma has promised that the state will ensure accountability and safety. “We’ll do everything to protect our people,” he said.

For now, displaced families wait in shelters, hoping for answers and safe return.