SIVASAGAR: A new gas leak followed by a fire at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Geleki oilfield in Assam's Sivasagar district on Saturday has reignited fears among local residents, coming days after the corporation had announced that the initial leak was successfully contained. The incident, which saw gas escaping from a pit and subsequently igniting, occurred near Surujmukhi Primary School, where a health camp was underway for individuals affected by the ongoing environmental issue.
The sudden flare-up near the health camp site, which was set up to assist residents impacted by the persistent gas leakage, caused considerable alarm. According to eyewitnesses from the local community, ONGC personnel were present at the location when the gas ignited. Fortunately, the fire brigade responded swiftly to the scene, bringing the blaze under control before it could escalate further.
Following the incident, ONGC officials promptly took measures to mitigate the situation by filling the pit with soil, aiming to prevent any further gas escape. However, the recurring nature of such incidents has intensified concerns among the local populace, who have been living with the effects of the gas leak for an extended period. A resident, who was ed to the fire by neighbours, voiced the community's frustration: "I was informed about the fire by someone. Fortunately, ONGC officials were already at the spot and the fire brigade reached immediately, bringing the blaze under control. But if such incidents continue, who will take responsibility?" he questioned, highlighting the growing demand for a permanent solution and accountability.
The latest development underscores the challenges in fully resolving the gas leak at the Geleki oilfield and casts doubt on the efficacy of previous containment efforts, leaving residents in a state of heightened anxiety.
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