“Assam Govt Offers Rs 25,000 Aid to 350 Families Hit by ONGC Gas Leak”

Guwahati, June 17, 2025: The Assam government has announced an immediate financial aid of Rs 25,000 for each of the 350 families displaced by the ONGC gas well blowout in Sivasagar district. The incident, which began on June 12 at Well No. RDS 147, has caused continuous gas leakage, forcing evacuations and urgent intervention.Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “Families in relief camps are anxious. While compensation details will follow, we are providing Rs 25,000 per family from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for immediate support.” The affected families are currently housed in temporary camps with essential supplies.Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held emergency meetings in Delhi, while CM Sarma assured coordination with the Centre. “I will hold a video conference with the Petroleum Minister soon,” Sarma added.ONGC has called in a specialist from the US to control the leakage. An official said, “We are hopeful the situation will stabilize soon.” The Assam Pollution Control Board is monitoring air quality, which remains within safe limits.Local groups like Bir Lachit Sena have demanded accountability from SK Petro Services, the firm operating the well. “ONGC will pay compensation, but the firm must also assist affected families,” said leader Srinkhal Chaliha.An ONGC official explained that during well-servicing operations, gas suddenly erupted after perforation, leading to the uncontrolled leak.The state has assured additional aid if needed, while ONGC’s crisis team works to seal the well. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.