Next phase of well control operations underway at ONGC’s RDS 147A in Sivasagar

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SIVASAGAR: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) escalated its well control operations at Well RDS 147A at Bhatiapar in Sivasagar, as part of its ongoing efforts to manage a controlled gas discharge.

In a statement issued by the Corporate Communications Office, ONGC, New Delhi, the company stated that a team of experts from the International Well Control Agency arrived at the site on Friday to conduct a detailed preliminary assessment of the situation. This development marks a crucial step in the next phase of ONGC’s mitigation strategy.

To maintain pressure control, high-pressure water pumping is being carried out continuously at 3000–3500 PSI, with a discharge rate of approximately 19–20 barrels per minute. So far, around 2,200 barrels of water have been pumped, including one intermittent junk shot, an essential technique being used to seal off the gas flow.

In parallel, site levelling activities are progressing swiftly to ensure operational readiness and safe movement for personnel and heavy equipment. An alternate access ramp has also been constructed to guarantee uninterrupted entry to the site.

As a preventive measure, nearby wells in the cluster have been shielded to safeguard them from any potential risk during the ongoing control operations. ONGC also confirmed that the gas composition remains within safe parameters, reinforcing the stability of the situation.

Environmental monitoring continues, with the water level of the nearby Dikhow River under constant observation. Pumps have been strategically deployed along the riverbank to support ongoing water operations as part of the safety protocol. The Sivasagar Regional Office of the Assam Pollution Control Board has been conducting air quality assessments every two days through expert analysts. According to the air pollution monitoring reports dated June 17 and June 19, the levels of air pollutants in the region remain within permissible limits.

Also Read: ONGC to Permanently Cap Leaking Well RDS 147A with US Team's Help

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