Baghjan Fire: Oil India progresses on containment of well

A detailed report by Oil India Limited has beenreleased stating the progress of the containment of the Baghjan gas well.

The report states the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas & Minister of Steel and Chief Minister of Assam are keeping close watch of the situation.  Secretary, Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Jt. Secretary (Exploration) is constantly monitoring the situation and CMD, OIL with Director (HR&BD), Director (E&D), and Director (Operations) are stationed at Duliajan.  

OIL reported the ongoing fire status of the wellstating the extent of the fire has been contained to the well. In order toarrest any untoward incidents of flash fire, fire tenders are kept.

The PSU also briefs on the environmental impact assessment regular monitoring of air quality, noise level & presence of Gas (lower explosive limit) is being carried out by OIL at the well site. Environment Impact Assessment study is in progress by M/s ERM India Pvt. Limited, a NABET accredited consultant to carry out the Environment & Ecological survey within the vicinity of well number 5 including Dibru-Saikhowa National Park & Maguri–Motapung Beel.

The report also added the team from Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat reached Tinsukia yesterday to study tremor report using the seismological technique. The installation of 5 seismometer stations will commence from Thursday.

The report further mentions that preparation for capping the well, inspection, testing of equipment is being mobilized from ONGC, experts from Singapore, and OIL's technical team. The mobilization of equipment is being carried by the ONGC.

Assistance from the Indian Army is being given to OIL for the construction of Bailey bridge. Three trucks from 3 Corps of Indian Army have delivered materials in 15 numbers of trucks.

Furthermore, a survey for assessment of damage for compensation has been initiated by the committee constituted by District Administration. Daily monitoring by the individual officers assigned to camps is being undertaken.