US Experts Arrive in Sivasagar as ONGC Prepares for Critical Capping

A team of specialist engineers from the United States has arrived in Assam’s Sivasagar district to assist in containing the ongoing gas leak at ONGC's RDS-147A well in Bhatiapar. The leak, now in its ninth day, has prompted widespread concern over safety and environmental impact.

The three-member American expert team, with extensive experience in handling blowouts and high-pressure gas leaks, conducted a detailed site inspection of the affected well on Friday. According to official sources, the team held discussions with ONGC officials and the local crisis management unit to assess the current situation and chart out a technical roadmap for containment.

Experts have assessed the site and are now exploring multiple scenarios, drawing on their experience with similar incidents around the world.

Operational work to cap the leaking well is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 21. The capping operation, part of Plan C, is considered critical after the failure of earlier efforts under Plan A and Plan B.

The visiting team is also expected to advise on additional safety protocols and response measures in case of sudden escalation. With fears of ignition looming due to rising gas pressure, the next 36 hours are seen as extremely crucial by authorities on the ground.

Locals in nearby areas such as Barichuk and Bhatiapar remain on edge, with many recalling the devastating Baghjan blowout of 2020. ONGC, in collaboration with the U.S. experts, is hoping to bring the situation under control swiftly and avoid a similar catastrophe.

The district administration has maintained that all necessary support is being extended to the technical teams, and round-the-clock monitoring of the site is underway.

Also Read: Crisis Deepens at ONGC Site in Rudrasagar