States » EastPosted at: Jun 24 2025 6:24PM


Assam gas blowout: State Pollution Control Board accuses ONGC of violating provisions of law

Guwahati, June 24 (UNI) As the ONGC with help from the foreign experts are trying hard to plug the leakage at the well no RDS 147A, the pollution Control Board, Assam has accused the oil and gas major of violating provisions of law in force causing pollution to the environment and directed it to show cause within 15 days.
The PCBA has asked the ONGC to show cause as to why environmental compensation fine (ECF) shall not be imposed on the ONGC unit.
The show caused notice signed by the PCBA Member Secretary Gokul Bhuyan said that the public sector undertaking had not taken the required permission from the Board, which tantamounts to violation of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, Air (prevention and Control of Pollution)Act 1981 and the Hazordous and other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules 2016,” he said.
It may be mentioned here that the Section 25 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and section 21 of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 bars anyone from establishing and operating any industrial plant in a water and air pollution control area without the previous consent of the State Pollution Control Board.
“Whereas you had commissioned and are operating a work over drill site RD147A without obtaining mandatory permission from the Board, thereby violating the provisions of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, Air (prevention and Control of Pollution)Act 1981 and the Hazordous and other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules 2016,” the PCBA letter to the ONGC stated.
Meanwhile, the ONGC, in collaboration with international well control experts, continues to make measured and strategic progress in the well control operations at RDS#147A, despite persistent rainfall and challenging site conditions.
A key development in the operation was the successful installation of a 200-ton crane with an approximately 80-metre boom, which has now been fully commissioned and is actively supporting critical tasks at the site. This marks a significant advancement in the preparatory phase leading to the well-capping operation.
A statement issued by the ONGC on Tuesday said that due to continuous rainfall, several site stabilisation and preparatory activities were undertaken to ensure the safe deployment and operation of the heavy-duty crane. ONGC teams responded promptly, reinforcing the location to maintain momentum in the ongoing operations.
“Heavy-duty water pumps strategically positioned along the Dikhow riverbank to support water blanketing operations. In light of the rising water levels in the Dikhow River, the Regional Crisis Management Team (RCMT) relocated the pump system to higher ground to ensure uninterrupted functionality. Water blanketing continues around the clock as a key safety protocol,” it said.
“Additionally, gas composition analysis conducted on 24 June 2025 indicates the discharge to be approximately 97% Methane, confirming that the gas remains within manageable and safe parameters, with no immediate risk to surrounding habitations,” the statement said.
UNI ANP GNK
Tags: #Assam gas blowout: State Pollution Control Board accuses ONGC of violating provisions of law
More News

Assam signs MoU for facilitating international concerts in state

25 Jun 2025 | 1:21 AM

Guwahati, June 24 (UNI) The Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ATDCL) and BigTree Entertainment Private Limited today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate the organisation of international concerts in the state.

see more..

Jan Sangh was formed to end monopoly of Congress in politics: Khattar speaks on Emergency

25 Jun 2025 | 12:45 AM

Patna, June 24 (UNI) Union Minister and senior BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattar today said the Jan Sangh was formed to counter the monopoly of Congress in politics.

see more..

Meghalaya CM to meet US Ambassador to India over travel advisory

25 Jun 2025 | 12:43 AM

Shillong, June 24 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today informed that he would personally take up the issue of the United States’ travel advisory that flagged Meghalaya as unsafe for travel, even as he termed the notification as “absolutely incorrect”.

see more..

Meghalaya: CM to meet US Ambassador to India over travel advisory

25 Jun 2025 | 12:42 AM

Shillong, June 24 (UNI) Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday informed that he would personally take up the issue of the United States’ travel advisory that flagged Meghalaya as unsafe for travel, even as he termed the advisory as “absolutely incorrect”.

see more..

Assam CM visits site for proposed power plant in Dhubri

25 Jun 2025 | 12:40 AM

Guwahati, June 24 (UNI) Aligning with the state government's vision of meeting its power demand and achieving self-reliance in power generation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today visited the proposed site for a thermal power plant in Dhubri district.

see more..