GUWAHATI: On Saturday, the Assam Gas Company reported a gas leak event, which immediately caused panic among the locals of Panitola Village in Assam's Tinsukia district.
The Assam Gas Company apparently has not yet taken any action in response to the situation, leaving the villagers in fear and confusion. The crisis is being managed, according to sources.
Three years have passed since the Baghjan blowout in May 2020 before the tragedy. Since May 27, 2020, the well number 5 at Baghjan has been ejecting gas uncontrollably. On June 9, the well caught fire, killing two OIL firefighters.
The Supreme Court in August 2021 proposed six new committees with four members each to review the Baghjan matter. After a gas condensate discharge incident from an oil well was reported in March of this year, the citizens of Baghjan filed a police report against Oil India Limited (OIL).
According to reports, a technical problem led to a suction pipe at the surface level of the BGI well in Baghjan leaking gas. The locals have pleaded with the government to halt all drilling operations until safety measures are implemented in the area.
OIL public relations officer Bhairab Bhuyam confirmed the development, stating that a technical hiccup was detected as the well was being set up for production, which resulted in gas leaking.
"Neither the local population nor the environment have been harmed. Oil has only sustained modest harm," he continued.
After sealing the well, the leakage was immediately stopped by technical specialists, according to Bhuyan. Swapneel Paul, the deputy commissioner for Tinsukia, stated that the leakage was completely under control and that there was no law and order issue.
Residents of the area have urged the government to halt all drilling activities until safety precautions are taken in the region.
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