US experts begin mission to cap leaking Assam gas well in 5 days: CM Sarma

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 20, 2025

A team of well control experts from the United States arrived at Bhatiapar in Assam’s Sivasagar district on Friday to assist Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) in capping the leaking gas well RDS#147A. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that the capping operation will begin on Saturday and is expected to take four to five days to complete.

“ONGC has informed us that Plan A and Plan B to control the leak have failed. They are now moving to the final stage—permanently capping the well. For this, a US expert team has reached Bhatiapar,” Sarma told reporters in Guwahati. “The operation will begin tomorrow and will take around five to six days. Public cooperation will be crucial during this time,” he added.

ONGC, in an official statement, confirmed the arrival of the expert team from the International Well Control Agency and said that they have begun a preliminary assessment of the site. High-pressure water pumping, a critical part of the operation, is underway at 3,000–3,500 PSI with a discharge of around 19–20 barrels per minute. A total of approximately 2,200 barrels of water were pumped today, including one “junk shot”—a standard technique used to block the flow of gas.

Additional preparations are in full swing at the site. ONGC has completed levelling work to ensure smooth equipment access and has constructed an alternate road ramp for uninterrupted movement. Nearby wells in the cluster have been shielded as a precautionary measure, and the gas composition has been tested and found to be within safe limits.

Water levels in the adjacent Dikhow River are being closely monitored. Pumps have been placed near the riverbank to ensure continuous water supply for safety operations.

Chief Minister Sarma also explained ONGC’s multi-stage emergency response plan. “Under Plan A, they try to plug the leak with mud. If that fails, Plan B involves using materials to block the flow from the top. When both methods fail, they shift to Plan C or D—capping the well permanently using materials like lead,” he said, citing a similar situation in Baghjan where the well was eventually capped using this approach.

Sarma said he has spoken with the CMD of ONGC regarding compensation for affected residents. “ONGC and the district administration will jointly assess the damage. ONGC has assured that compensation will be provided to those impacted,” he said.

However, the Chief Minister voiced concern about the proximity of the leaking well to the Dikhow River. “The priority is to stop the leakage. If floodwaters come, the situation could become very dangerous. Later, an investigation should be conducted to identify those responsible for the incident,” he said.

ONGC has reiterated its commitment to public safety, environmental protection, and transparent operations as it works with international experts to bring the situation under control.