Guwahati, June 21 (UNI) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) said it has made significant headway in controlling the gas blowout at an Assam well, with the flow rate of gas having reduced substantially, marking a critical step forward in containment efforts.

A statement issued by the ONGC said on Saturday evening that an international expert team from CUDD Pressure Control, USA, which arrived on site yesterday, has conducted a preliminary assessment of the situation and reviewed all actions undertaken by ONGC teams so far.



"The experts have expressed their agreement with the strategy and execution carried out to date, reaffirming the effectiveness of ONGC’s approach to safely managing the well," the statement said.

Based on the forward plan jointly developed, extensive site preparations are underway to facilitate the next phase of action, it said.

"The process of removing tubulars from the well has commenced, and mobilization of cranes for the removal of tubing from the rig floor is currently in progress," the statement said, adding that water blanketing continues around the clock as a key safety measure.



"Additionally, flood level monitoring of the nearby Dikhow River remains ongoing, ensuring all operations are aligned with environmental and safety protocols," it said.

ONGC is continuously monitoring the Low Explosive Limit (LEL) levels of air around the well site through real-time gas detectors to ensure safety. Medical assistance is being provided at the relief camp to support all those in need.

The blowout -- or uncontrolled flow of natural gas -- took place on June 12 at a well of the Rudrasagar oil field of ONGC at Barichuk.

UNI ANP RN