Efforts to contain the major gas leak from an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) crude well in Bhatiapar, which triggered mass panic and the displacement of thousands, have entered their final stages, according to ONGC officials. International experts, working alongside ONGC’s Crisis Management Team (CMT), have been engaged in round-the-clock operations to safely cap the leaking well, in what officials have termed one of ONGC’s most complex and high-risk field interventions in recent years.
In a public advisory, ONGC assured that scientific assessments found no hydrocarbon traces beyond a 30-metre radius from the leak site— a development termed “positive.” As a result, residents living outside a 500-metre radius have now been cleared to return home.
Officials further confirmed that internal gas pressure in the well has significantly dropped, creating safer conditions for engineers to carry out final sealing operations. Continuous ‘water blanketing’ has been deployed at the site to suppress volatile gases and prevent any flare-ups.
Also read: ONGC to cap leaking gas well in Assam with support from US
What began as a localised threat to 75 families quickly spiraled into a larger humanitarian crisis, displacing over 3,000 people as toxic gas emissions spread across the region. In response, emergency evacuations were carried out and multiple relief camps were established. While no casualties have been reported, many residents have expressed concern about long-term health effects and have appealed for adequate compensation and sustained government support as they attempt to recover from the traumatic experience.
The final capping phase is currently in progress, involving the removal of tubing from the derrick structure using a long boom crane. ONGC has already dismantled most of the derrick and evacuated over ten trailer-loads of rig components. Specialised tools and heavy machinery have been moved to the site to assist in the delicate operation.
Officials describe this capping effort as among ONGC’s most sensitive in recent memory, requiring precision engineering, international technical collaboration and rapid deployment of safety protocols.
Also read: Assam CM writes to Centre, raps ONGC over gas blowout
In parallel, ONGC has intensified its support to the district administration in managing ongoing relief operations. Round-the-clock medical teams are stationed at the relief camps, offering care to evacuees. The corporation has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of all affected families, promising to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery concerns.
As containment operations approach completion, authorities are urging patience and cooperation from residents while emphasising that safety remains the highest priority.
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