Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma urges Union Minister Hardeep Puri to intervene in the ongoing ONGC gas leak crisis in Sivasagar. With over 330 families evacuated, Sarma criticizes ONGC’s slow response and demands mission-mode action to control the leak and restore public safety.
Amid rising public concern over an ongoing gas leak at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) rig site in Assam’s Sivasagar district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has formally urged Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to intervene and expedite control measures.
The incident, which began six days ago in Bhatiyapara locality, Barichuk area of Sivasagar, has triggered a wave of anxiety among nearby residents, with over 330 families evacuated for their safety. In a letter sent on Wednesday, CM Sarma pressed for immediate reinforcement of ONGC’s containment efforts and accused the energy major of responding with inadequate urgency.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), CM Sarma shared his concerns publicly.
“Conveyed our concerns regarding the Barichuk Gas Blowout incident to Hon’ble Union Minister Shri @HardeepSPuri ji. I have requested him to direct @ONGC_ to step up well control efforts in mission mode so that the situation doesn’t aggravate further,” Sarma posted.
Despite several technical interventions by ONGC—including water blanketing, high-volume mud pumping, and junk shots—the gas leakage has not yet been brought under control. CM Sarma, in his letter, highlighted the ongoing high pressure at the well as a critical point of worry for the affected communities.
“The prolonged nature of the incident is causing considerable distress,” he wrote. “Despite ONGC’s efforts, the failure to cap the leak has created panic in the surrounding villages.”
ONGC has been attempting to manage the blowout using standard oilfield emergency procedures, but the efforts have so far failed to contain the leak. According to sources in the district administration, the leak poses significant health and environmental risks if not managed swiftly.
The Assam Chief Minister did not mince words when evaluating ONGC’s approach. He noted that the company’s response appeared more “procedural” than proactive and lacked the visibility and urgency expected during such emergencies.
“There is a local perception of inadequate urgency and seriousness in ONGC’s response,” the Chief Minister wrote. “This stands in contrast to the war-footing response seen in similar blowouts in the past.”
Sarma’s comments reflect a growing frustration within both the government and the affected populace over what is being seen as ONGC’s lackluster crisis management.
Following his visit to the affected site and the relief camp on June 16, CM Sarma assured evacuees that their concerns were being taken seriously. Over 330 families have been temporarily relocated from the impact zone, and the state government is currently providing them with food, shelter, and medical assistance.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding residents, stating, “At this hour, we are doing everything possible to assist the affected people, but a stronger and more committed effort is required from ONGC.”
CM’s Demands to the Centre
In his letter to Union Minister Puri, CM Sarma made a series of concrete requests:
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Immediate enhancement of ONGC’s technical and leadership presence at the site.
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A mission-mode approach to bring the leak under control.
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Improved communication and engagement with affected communities.
Sarma underlined the importance of restoring public confidence and bringing a swift end to the ordeal. “The time for procedural delays is over. We need decisive and transparent action on the ground,” the letter concluded.
While ONGC has not yet issued a formal response to the Chief Minister’s letter, pressure is mounting for the public-sector giant to act more decisively. The Union Petroleum Ministry is expected to review the situation following CM Sarma’s intervention.
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As environmental and health concerns grow, the state government remains on high alert. Authorities have cordoned off the affected zone and continue to monitor air and soil quality in the vicinity.
With monsoon rains looming, the urgency to cap the leak has become even more critical. CM Sarma’s call to action underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts between the Centre, ONGC, and the Assam government to prevent further deterioration.
