Assam CM seeks Indian Air Force's help to douse Baghjan fire

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that he has appealed the Indian Air Force (IAF) to help douse the Baghjan fire that erupted at the Oilfield blowout site in Tinsukia, sending alarm bells ringing in the Upper Assam district.

"I have informed Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan regarding the matter and urged him to take immediate action to remedy the situation. I have also urged the Indian Air Force (IAF) to help douse the fire and I have informed Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh", Sonowal said, addressing the media.

Sonowal also informed that the district administration, police, military, and para-military forces have been mobilized to ensure that the local populace is kept safe.

Sonowal also said that the foreign experts who have been brought in to remedy the situation have been assessing the matter. "However, the situation turned dire in the morning after the fire broke out. Nevertheless, we have to ensure the safety of the people and both the Centre and State Governments have been taking measures to ameliorate the situation", he added.

It needs mention here that the blowout (an uncontrolled release of oil and gas due to the failure of pressure control systems) sent a fountain of crude oil rocketing into the air. A continuous spray of cold water is being used to cool down the leaking natural gas to prevent it from igniting and causing an explosion.

Meanwhile, locals in the area continue to be on edge ever since the leak occurred. After the leak, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was called in and about 2,500 people have been taken to relief camps.

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