Protests Erupt in Sivasagar Over Ongoing Gas Leak Crisis

Protests in Sivasagar

Sivasagar, June 22: New protests broke out in Sivasagar on Sunday regarding the persistent gas leak at the ONGC well in Bhatiapar, which began on June 12.

Residents took to the streets, expressing their frustration over the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's (ONGC) inability to manage the situation effectively.

Demonstrators voiced their anger with chants such as “ONGC, go back!” and “We want justice.”

A significant demand from the protestors is the arrest of Krishna Agarwal, the proprietor of SK Petro services.

Local artists and leaders joined the residents in their protest.

Notable musician, singer, and lyricist Manas Robin showed his support for the protestors, advocating for adequate compensation for those impacted by the gas leak.

“We also demand an investigation into the cause of this incident. There are inherent risks in such operations that must be effectively managed,” Robin stated.

Bedanta Laskar, a leader of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), accused the central government of treating Assam unfairly.

“The central government has taken Assam's tea, oil, and coal, providing only a minimal royalty for oil. Assam has consistently received stepmotherly treatment,” Laskar remarked.

He further criticized Krishna Agarwal and SK Petro services, lamenting, “It is unfortunate that a non-Assamese individual is overseeing the rig operations here.”

In the meantime, senior ONGC officials visited the site of the gas leak on Sunday, stating that preparations are underway for the next phase of technical operations.

KN Sangma, general manager of Assam Asset at ONGC, mentioned, “While prioritizing safety, we are working to control the gas leak by capping it. Our team of Indian and international experts is monitoring the situation in accordance with established safety protocols. The site is being readied for further technical work.”

However, he acknowledged the challenge in providing a specific timeline for when the gas leak would be resolved.

“We cannot offer a definitive timeline, but we will strive to manage it as quickly as possible to alleviate the concerns of residents and employees,” Sangma added.

Importantly, a team of three international experts from the United States is set to commence operations on Sunday to address the gas leak at the ONGC well in Sivasagar’s Bhatiapar.

The American team from CUDD Pressure Control arrived at the site on Saturday and conducted an initial inspection.