Baghjan series of low-to-moderate intensity tremors cause panic

Meanwhile, the Centre has constituted a High-Powered Committee to inquire into the Baghjan oil field leakage and explosion, headed by SCL Das, Director General, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons. It also comprises former ONGC Chairman BC Bora and former ONGC Director TK Sengupta. The committee will submit its report within one month. It will recommend short and long-term measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents including identifying any gaps in the laid down standard operating procedures.

According to the residents, such tremors were being felt since the Baghjan oil well caught fire on Tuesday; but it was of low intensity then. As the fire increased with deafening explosion at the blast site on Wednesday, the tremor jolts became more vigorous and intermittent causing fear and panic among the local populace.

Tinsukia Circle Officer Dr Sanjeeb Phukan, who has been overseeing the relief operations at the Guijan High School, said that the tremors have been felt only within the residences and not at open spaces. Some people have also reported breakage of window glass panels.

Dr Phukan added that an earthquake expert team would be reaching Guijan to assess the situation, on Friday. Dispelling any apprehension of an earthquake, Dr Phukan, however, suspected that the tremors could be induced by atmospheric factors.

A retired employee from OIL said that the tremors are either triggered by a supersonic boom at the oilfield blast site or may be due to some underlying factors in the flow of atmospheric air.

Kaliabor MP (Lok Sabha) Gaurav Gogoi, in a letter on Thursday, requested Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to release interim financial assistance of Rs one lakh to each family affected in the Baghjan incident.

The All Adivasi Students' Association of Assam (AASAA) has demanded immediate rehabilitation of the families affected in the Baghjan oil-well blowout. They also demanded Rs one lakh one-time-compensation and insurance of Rs 50 lakh for each affected family.

Meanwhile, the OIL (Oil India Limited) in a press release on Thursday claimed that the extent of the fire has been restricted to the well and spread of fire to the surrounding areas has been checked. Fire tenders have been kept ready for exigencies. Steps have also been initiated to cap the well.

The release also stated that its work has been stalled at 59 production wells across seven sites including those at across Makum, Barekuri, and Hapjan among others following demonstrations by various organizations and local people. As a result, OIL suffered a loss of 467 metric tonnes of raw oil till June 10. Besides the process of gas production of gas is also stalled, the release added.

Also watch: Evening Bulletin | 8th June, 2020