Assam: Controversy surrounds PCB report on ONGC Bhatiapar gas leak

A CORRESPONDENT

GAURISAGAR: Public scepticism continues to mount over the Pollution Control Board of Assam's (PCBA) report on the recent gas leak at Rig No. 147 of the ONGC Bhatiapar Oil Field under the Rudrasagar Oil Field, which falls under the ONGC Assam Asset in Nazira.

Following a blowout at Rig No. 147, the surrounding environment has reportedly suffered significant damage due to the gas leak. In response, the PCBA released a report claiming that the incident did not result in any release of toxic gases capable of causing air pollution. According to the report, 97 percent of the released gas was methane, which, being lighter than air, rose upward into the atmosphere.

However, the report has stirred controversy among the local population and environmental experts. Critics point out that methane is a highly flammable greenhouse gas and contains carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming. The report further stated that the remaining 3 percent of emissions were not identified in detail, raising further concerns.

Meanwhile, protests against SK Petrochemical, the company linked to the incident, intensified in Sivasagar. Demonstrators have been staging continuous protests in front of the company's local office at Kailash Bhawan in Phukan Nagar for the past five days. The protesters are demanding the immediate arrest of Srikrishna Agarwal, whom they hold responsible for the gas leak, and the blacklisting of the company.

In an emotional gesture, the wife of a representative from SK Petro reportedly apologized to the widow of Biswa Hazarika, a former employee who died two years ago while working for the company. The apology, offered with traditional guwapan (betel nut and leaf) in a Xarai, was made to seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings.

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