Guwahati, June 18 (UNI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has requested Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to step up well control efforts in mission mode so that the situation doesn't aggravate further.

The gas blowout incident took place on June 12 at the ONGC's well RDS 147A at Barichuk Bhatipara in Sivsagar district.

Despite ONGC's well control measures such as water blanketing, high volume mud pumping, and junk shots, the pressure continues to persists and the well remained active. "The prolonged nature of the incident is creating considerable distress in the surrounding villages," Sarma told Puri in a letter.

"The state government is providing all necessary relief to the affected people at this hour, but a more proactive approach is needed from ONGC to mitigate the situation and restore normalcy," said Sarma while sharing his letter to the Union Petroleum Minister on X handle.

"I have requested him to direct ONGC to step up well control efforts in mission mode so that the situation doesn't aggravate further," said the Assam Chief Minister.

He said that over 330 families had to be evacuated and the district administration is supporting with basic relief and safety measures. "While the district administration and other agencies are fully engaged on the ground, I am constrained to convey that the local perception is one of inadequate urgency and seriousness in ONGC's response. Unlike previous incidents that were handled on a war footing, the current approach appears procedural and lacking in visibility," the Chief Minister said.

"I urge upon you to direct the ONGC to reinforce its technical and leadership presence onsite , adopt a mission-mode approach and step up engagement with the affected communities to restore confidence and bring the situation under control at the earliest," the CM said.

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