Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has successfully capped the gas leak from its well no. 147 at Bhatiapar in Assam’s Sivasagar district at 11:15 AM today, ending a 16-day-long crisis that began on June 12.
The complex capping operation was carried out through coordinated efforts by ONGC’s Crisis Management Team and international well-control experts, primarily from the United States. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed the development via a post on social media, calling it a “meticulously executed mission” completed “within the shortest possible time” and notably “without any injury, casualty, or fire.”
In his message, the Minister praised the teamwork, planning, and international collaboration that led to the success of the operation. He also thanked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the state machinery for their consistent support.
ONGC has successfully capped the blow out of well RDS#147A at 1115 hours hrs today. This blow out started on 12th June and has been capped successfully within shortest possible time following all the best practices.
Crisis Management Team of @ONGC_ along with the international…
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) June 27, 2025
However, despite the technical breakthrough, concerns remain. Residents of Bhatiapar are now demanding urgent medical aid, especially for pregnant women and children affected by exposure to noise and environmental pollution from the prolonged leak.
“We are relieved the leak has stopped. But our health and environment have suffered. We request ONGC and the government to immediately send ENT doctors and offer medical help,” said a local resident.
Another affected villager added, “We stayed in relief camps for over two weeks, leaving behind our homes and animals. Though the Chief Minister visited, no one from SK Petro came. ONGC must step forward, provide compensation, and not make us chase for it.”
The leak forced numerous families into temporary shelters and led to damage to livestock, property, and local ecology. Many locals also voiced frustration over ONGC’s lack of prompt communication during the early days of the crisis.
The capping operation ramped up over the last week under the watch of U.S.-based experts brought in by ONGC for the high-risk task. While the leak has now been controlled, the community is demanding a formal response from ONGC, along with a clear rehabilitation plan and steps toward environmental restoration.
