The Assam government, on Tuesday, promised to give financial assistance of 25,000 rupees to the 350 families that were affected by a blowout at an ONGC crude oil well in the Sivasagar district. This accident started on June 12, well, no. RDS 147 of rig SKP 135, Rudrasagar oil field of Barichuk, Bhatiapar, is still spreading gas on the 6th day.
As a cogent action, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that such assistance would come through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and the finer details of the compensation would be decided subsequently. Approximately, the relief camps have around 350 families, and they are apprehensive. As emergency aid, we would be giving Rs25,000 per family, Sarma added. He further said that the Petroleum Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, had held a meeting with senior officials in Delhi, and the state and central governments are working hard to contain the situation.
ONGC had a contract with the private contractor SK Petro Services to run the oil well. Sarma indicated that the ONGC chairman has been contacted, and he should be visiting Sivasagar shortly. Further, the ONGC has enlisted a gas expert from the US in order to help it curb the gas leak, and the Union Petroleum Secretary has requested complete cooperation.
In the meantime, there were protests at the local level when the members of the Bir Lachit Sena gheraoed the office of SK Petro Services and demanded compensation and accountability. This will be compensated by ONGC, but the firm cannot escape its liability, as said the leader, Srinikhal Chaliha.
Officials stated the pollution control board is keeping a check on the quality of air, which continues to be below dangerous standards. Sarma states that the first order of priority is to halt the leak, followed by additional support in case of future evaluations.
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