“We’re Giving 100% Effort,” Says ONGC Official Amid Bhatiapar Leak Row

Tensions flared in Bhatiapar, Sivasagar, as agitated residents confronted an official from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), demanding answers over the ongoing gas leak situation that has raised serious environmental and health concerns. The interaction, which unfolded in the presence of dozens of local residents, exposed deep mistrust and growing frustration over ONGC’s operations in the area.

Locals, voicing concerns about the qualifications of those handling the site, alleged that “unskilled and inexperienced boys” are being employed at meagre wages of ₹9,000 to ₹10,000. “Are they skilled labourers?” one resident questioned, reflecting the community’s alarm over safety standards.

In response, the ONGC official attempted to justify the corporation's hiring protocols, stating,

“As per the contract clauses, the labourers must possess ITI-level qualifications along with experience certificates. If a contractor furnishes a certificate claiming five years of experience, we cannot legally reject it once our paperwork is cleared.”

The confrontation didn’t end there. With gas continuing to leak and local anxiety mounting, ONGC officials tried to assure residents of their commitment to safety and due process.

“We are operating under strict regulatory supervision,” the official said. “A central DGMS (Directorate General of Mines Safety) committee has been stationed here for five days, conducting an independent inquiry. If they find any violations, no one will be spared. The company cannot function outside the law.”

Amid allegations of mishandling and slow response, ONGC maintained that it is doing everything within its power to resolve the situation.

“No expert can give a definite timeframe to control this,” the official admitted. “We are putting in 100% effort. If we detect any dangerous gas presence, we will not risk the lives of our workers. To reduce noise pollution, we are spraying water continuously before initiating operations.”

Despite the defensive tone, ONGC also revealed that two technical approaches had already been executed to control the leak.

“We followed expert advice and implemented two steps to collect data and address the issue,” the official said. “If both approaches fail, we have already made arrangements to consult international experts. We will bring them in if needed. The leak will be controlled.”

However, the reassurances did little to pacify the crowd. The community remains wary, citing past experiences and what they perceive as ONGC’s arrogant stance. “Even today, ONGC officials speak with a tone of denial and arrogance,” one resident remarked.

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