To publicly voice concerns about the explosion and SK Petro's involvement, Dr. Sarma met virtually with Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on June 17.
In order to ensure accountability from the parent company that employed the contractor, the Chief Minister ordered the Union Ministry to launch an independent investigation and create a framework for more stringent oversight of oil and gas operations in the Northeast that are outsourced.
According to reports, Minister Puri voiced his concern about the occurrence and gave his word that the Center will treat it seriously.
He instructed the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to provide a preliminary report within a week and pledged to form a fact-finding committee to investigate any regulatory violations.
“This incident highlights the need for stronger safety oversight and the protection of local communities near industrial zones. We will not allow such a lapse to occur again,” Puri assured during the meeting.
According to the CM, the district government is providing basic relief and safety measures to the more than 330 people that had to be evacuated.
“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.