'Pollution Control Board of Assam' rolls back Notice demanding OIL to cease Baghjan ops

Guwahati: Oil India Limited (OIL), has now confirmed that the Closure Notice served by Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) has been withdrawn.

In a statement, the PSU said that the PCBA has asked OIL to fulfill certain conditions within specific timeframes, adding that "OIL will take necessary steps to comply with the directives and conditions of the PCBA."

Meanwhile, preparations are on for capping the well that has been spitting oil and gas ever since the blowout occurred at the site. The OIL said that equipment and materials to cap the well are in transit while adding that "many important equipment/ materials are on transit. Consignments are delayed in transit due to the ban on day time movement of heavy vehicles."

At the same time, the fabrication of heat shields for bulldozers and excavators is in progress.

OIL said that there is a delay in developing the land due to inclement weather and soft soil condition. Portable deck mats for the purpose are on transit from Kolkata and Guwahati.

Meanwhile, the water delivery line laying has been completed over the bailey bridge, and connections for sourcing water from the Dangori River are currently underway.

Two emergency Escape Routes from the debris area and one from the Kill pump area have also been constructed. The expert team from Alert is also inspecting the equipment at OIL CMT Yard with the ONGC-CMT and a technical team from ONGC.

Meanwhile, the surveys for assessment of damage for compensation by the committee constituted by the District Administration are in progress. Assessment for 369 families completed in Doomdooma and Tinsukia Circle, informed OIL.

"Protests outside Baghjan area still continues in a few areas. Producing oil/gas wells continue to be blocked resulting in loss of oil and gas production. Further, drilling and workover operations at 6 locations also continue to be obstructed", OIL said in its statement.

Meanwhile, OIL has reported that there has been a production loss of 129 MT of crude oil and 0.16 MMSCM of natural gas as operations have been disrupted in 16 oil wells and a single gas well since May 27 due to bandhs and blockades in the area.

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