ONGC Starts Operation Junk Shot to Fix Gas Leak in Assam’s Sivasagar, Leak Since June 12

The incident has prompted immediate safety measures by the Sivasagar district administration.

Preparatory work has been undertaken for a specialised “Junk Shot” operation to control an uncontrolled gas leak at ONGC‘s Rig No RDS-147 in Sivasagar district, as the high-pressure emission enters its fourth consecutive day with no immediate solution in sight.

The blowout occurred on June 12 in the Bhatiapar area of Sivasagar district at around 11.45 a.m., triggering a high-pressure emission of natural gas. The deafening roar of the escaping gas could be heard up to 3–4 kilometers away, spreading panic among nearby villagers and forcing many to flee.

Sivasagar District Commissioner Ayush Garg on Saturday said that efforts were made on the third day to implement a special pumping arrangement, but the gas leakage continues. Preparatory work is undertaken on Saturday for a special management operation called the ‘Junk Shot’ operation to plug the high-powered gas leakage.

The Junk Shot technique involves pumping various materials such as golf balls, shredded tires, or rubber pieces into the well to create a blockage and stop or significantly reduce the gas flow. This emergency well control method, also known as a “bridging agent” or “top kill,” represents a critical intervention when conventional methods fail to contain a blowout.

The incident has prompted immediate safety measures by the Sivasagar district administration. Seventy families from the Bhatiapar area have been evacuated to relief camps as a precautionary measure, while continuous cooling operations are being maintained around the rig site.

As per the Sivasagar DC, the entire matter is being supervised by the Sivasagar district administration, with full cooperation from the Fire & Emergency Services and Disaster Management Department.

Immediate corrective measures include applying water around the rig to cool and disperse the gas, maintaining round-the-clock cooling operations, deploying fire service personnel for safety monitoring, and securing the surrounding field areas Responsibility for the rig was transferred to a special crisis control team on June 13.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s corporate communications team issued a statement Saturday confirming operational control has been assumed by a specialised team. The ONGC statement said that a team led by Vikram Saxena, Director (Technical & Field Services), has taken over operational control of Well RDS 147. All necessary fluids and equipment have been mobilised to the site. A comprehensive well control plan has been formulated, and pumping operations commenced following the successful installation and testing of essential connections.

Also Read: Over 50 Hours On, ONGC Struggles to Contain Massive Gas Leak in Assam’s Sivasagar

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