Lok Sabha Question No. 64 (STARRED), answered on 2025-07-24
Subject: Gas Leak Incident in Assam
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Gaurav Gogoi, Shri Pradyut Bordoloi

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.07.2025

## Gas Leak Incident in Assam

- *64. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI:

## पेĚोͧलयम और Ĥाक ृ Ǔतक गैस मंğी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether the Government has ordered a formal inquiry into the recent gas leak incident reported at ONGC Rudrasagar Oil field in Sivasagar district of Assam which has forced hundreds of residents to seek shelter in relief camps and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the preliminary findings, if any, regarding the cause of the leak and the role of the oil and gas companies operating in the affected area;

(c) whether any compensation has been announced or funds are being disbursed by the Government to the affected families including those who have been displaced or suffered  health  impacts  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  other  disaster relief and long-term rehabilitation measures taken in this regard;

(d) the steps being taken by the Government to address the fears of residents who have reportedly stopped using LPG cylinders due to safety concerns;

(e) whether any long-term measures have been taken by the Government to ensure stricter monitoring, emergency preparedness and public safety in areas with oil and gas infrastructure and if so, the details thereof;

(f) the details regarding last upgradation of infrastructure facility and the steps being taken to upgrade other such facilities across the country; and

(g) whether the Government has commissioned a health and environmental study to assess the impact of the blowout on the area's ecosystem and residents and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## पेĚोͧलयम एवं Ĥाक ृ Ǔतक गैस मंğी (Įी हरदȣप ͧसंह पुरȣ)

## MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

- (a) to (g): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (g) in respect of Lok Sabha Starred Question  No.  64  for  reply  on  24.07.2025  regarding  'Gas  Leak  Incident  in Assam' asked by Shri Gaurav Gogoi and Shri Pradyut Bordoloi

(a) to (g) :On 12 June 2025, a gas release incident was reported at ONGC's Well RDS-147A  in  the  Rudrasagar  Oil  Field,  located  in  Sivasagar  district,  Assam. Responding swiftly and in full compliance with established safety procedures, ONGC activated its specialized teams to handle the incident. Working in close coordination with the District Administration and supported by international well control experts, a technically demanding and time-bound response was executed. The well was safely brought  under  control  on  27  June  2025.  The  structured  handling  of  the  incident, adherence to safety protocols, and continuous on-ground coordination ensured that there  were  no  injuries,  fatalities,  fire,  or  toxic  emissions  -  underscoring  the effectiveness of the incident preparedness mechanisms in place.

In line with its mandate, the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) under the Ministry of  Petroleum  and  Natural  Gas  initiated  a  formal  enquiry  into  the  incident.  The preliminary  findings  confirmed  that  the  event  caused  no  injuries,  fatalities,  fire,  or toxic  gas  emissions.  Gas  analysis  revealed  the  release  of  non-toxic  methane (97.5%), with no presence of hydrogen sulphide or liquid hydrocarbons. Environmental  parameters,  including  air  and  noise  levels,  were  monitored  by  the Pollution  Control  Board  of  Assam  (PCBA)  and  ONGC  throughout  the  response period.  All  values  remained  within  the  limits  prescribed  by  the  Central  Pollution Control  Board  (CPCB).  There  was  no  reported  impact  on  drinking  water  or agriculture. The Dikhow River embankment, which had been temporarily used during the emergency response, was fully restored following the operation.

Concurrently the District Administration, as a preventive measure, activated disaster management protocols. Approximately 350 families - around 1,500 individuals were temporarily relocated to nine fully equipped relief camps. The State Government  ensured  the  provision  of  meals,  safe  drinking  water,  sanitation,  and medical support in these camps. To provide immediate financial relief, ₹25,000 was disbursed  to  each  of  357  affected  families  under  the  Chief  Minister's  Relief  Fund (CMRF).

ONGC  actively  supported  these  efforts  by  supplying  essential  items,  meals,  and drinking  water,  deploying  its  medical  teams  and  doctors,  organizing  mobile  health camps, and providing ambulance services. The company also coordinated logistics with the respective stakeholders and contributed to the restoration of flood-damaged embankments. After the well was safely capped, ONGC advised the residents that it was safe to return  home. Accordingly,  all relocated families have  returned  to their homes. The use of LPG and electricity has been resumed. Local officials and ONGC personnel engaged directly with communities to dispel apprehensions and facilitate resettlement.  Over  3,000  safety  masks  and  earplugs  were  distributed  to  mitigate discomfort due to odour or noise.

In parallel with immediate response and relief, Government continues to implement a comprehensive framework for public safety and operational resilience in the oil and gas sector. This includes regular safety audits and inspections by OISD, compliance with rigorous technical standards for well construction and emergency preparedness, periodic updates  of  safety  guidelines in line with global best  practices,  and mandatory disaster management plans with on-ground simulations. These measures are particularly crucial in high-sensitivity operational zones like Assam.

Complementing these safety mechanisms,  ONGC  has  undertaken  significant infrastructure modernization efforts across the country. Over the past five years, nine major projects have been completed with a cumulative investment of ₹8,416 crore. In Assam, key projects either completed or in progress include:

- Pipeline Network Project (PNP), Geleky - ₹277 crore (completed),
- New Flare Systems at Rudrasagar and Geleky - ₹76 crore,
- Gas Compression Plants at Lakwa (₹119 crore, commissioned) and Geleky (₹164 crore, under progress),
- PNP Rudrasagar - ₹344 crore (ongoing),
- PNP Laiplingoan - ₹64 crore (initiated),
- New Gas Compressor Plant (GCP) at Geleky - ₹164 crore (in progress).

These  upgrades  reflect  the  Government's  long-term  commitment  to  safe,  efficient, and environmentally responsible hydrocarbon operations in the state of Assam.

The Government remains focused on leveraging the resource potential in the region, including  from  the  resources  connected  through  this  capped  well,  in  a  safe, sustainable,  and  technically  sound  manner,  ensuring  that  economic  opportunity  is balanced with environmental stewardship and public welfare.

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