Baghjan fire: OIL spending Rs 41 lakh daily on relief camps

In Baghjan, at least a hundred workers are working almost round the clock in preparation for the final assault on the inferno that has been raging for four weeks now, while the gas and condensates spewing out since May 27.

Earthmoving equipment, hydraulic hammers etc. have all been cladded in heat shields - heavy galvanized iron corrugated sheets- to prevent damage to equipment function due to the intense heat from the fire. These all works will happen under a heavy shower of water, pumped from three water pumps, each throwing out water at 2,500 gallons per minute. A dozen disaster shelter camps are functioning for the 39^th straight day. Nine are in operation since May 27, and three at Guijan since June 9. There are about 10,000 displaced people staying in these camps. Oil India Limited is looking after nine camps, located at Baghjan and Dighaltarrang areas. Each of the residents are provided food and other necessities, costing a minimum of Rs 500 per head per day.

The food and other supplies have been subcontracted to NGOs and volunteers, all of whom are doing a satisfactory job, given the challenges of these Covid-19 times and restrictions. The Guijan shelters are being looked after by the Tinisukia civil administration.

The disaster control exercises are likely to put OIL back by Rs 200 crores and more, taking into account deployment of overseas and in-country experts, sundry machinery and equipment and miscellaneous bills raised by government agencies, along with the major compensation package.