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Photograph: (Gaurav Gogoi Questions ONGC, Govt Over Rudrasagar Gas Leak Lapses)
In a strongly worded intervention during Parliament on Thursday, Congress MP and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi raised serious concerns over the June 12 gas leak incident at ONGC’s Rudrasagar oil field in Sivasagar district, Assam. Calling out lapses in emergency preparedness and corporate accountability, Gogoi alleged that the Centre has failed to provide clarity or accept responsibility for the hazardous episode that displaced hundreds.
During the Zero Hour, Gogoi criticised the government and ONGC for “critical failures in operational accountability” which, according to him, forced over 350 families, more than 1,500 people, to flee their homes amid fears of toxic exposure. "From the lack of effective emergency control to the forced evacuation of entire communities, the incident has exposed ONGC’s gross negligence," said Gogoi.
Despite the scale of the crisis, he added, the government has offered no transparency on key concerns, such as third-party vendor accountability, outdated infrastructure, disaster preparedness gaps, and the lack of independent oversight in Northeast India’s sensitive oil-producing zones.
“I have written to the Petroleum Ministry, demanding structural reforms, clear answers, and long-term safeguards to protect both the people of Assam and the fragile environment,” he said.
The remarks came even as the Centre responded to a starred question (No. 64) in the Lok Sabha tabled by Gogoi and fellow Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi, seeking a detailed account of the government’s handling of the incident.
Government Says No Toxic Emissions, Disaster Handled "Effectively"
According to the official reply, a gas release occurred at ONGC’s Well RDS-147A in Rudrasagar on June 12, 2025. ONGC reportedly activated its emergency teams in coordination with the district administration and international experts, and the well was brought under control by June 27. The Ministry stated there were no injuries, fatalities, fire, or toxic emissions, asserting that safety protocols were followed rigorously.
The government further informed that the gas released was 97.5% non-toxic methane, and that air, water, and noise quality levels remained within Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms, as monitored by the Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA).
As a preventive measure, nearly 350 families were evacuated to nine relief camps. The state government provided food, water, sanitation, and healthcare support, while ONGC supplied medical aid, essentials, and ambulance services. Each affected family received ₹25,000 in immediate financial assistance through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Gogoi Questions Depth of Response, Demands Health & Environmental Study
Despite the official assurance, Gogoi questioned why critical issues remain unaddressed, including the last maintenance of the site, the reasons behind system failures, and why no independent health and environmental study has been commissioned. “The people have the right to know what long-term impact this might have on their land, water, and health,” he stressed.
He also raised fears expressed by locals who reportedly stopped using LPG cylinders out of anxiety, despite official reassurances that it was safe to return.
ONGC’s Infrastructure Under Spotlight
The government also highlighted ONGC’s broader infrastructure upgrade efforts in Assam and across India. In the last five years, nine major oil and gas projects worth ₹8,416 crore have been completed nationwide. Specific to Assam, key upgrades include:
• ₹277 crore Pipeline Network Project (PNP), Geleky (completed)
• ₹76 crore Flare Systems at Rudrasagar and Geleky
• ₹119 crore Gas Compression Plant at Lakwa (commissioned)
• ₹164 crore Gas Compression Plant at Geleky (in progress)
• ₹344 crore PNP Rudrasagar (ongoing)
• ₹64 crore PNP Laiplingoan (initiated)
These projects, the government said, reflect its commitment to safer, cleaner hydrocarbon operations in the region.
Opposition Seeks Independent Oversight
Gogoi, however, remained unconvinced. "In a high-sensitivity zone like Assam, dependent on agriculture and ecology, the lack of independent oversight is alarming. We need structural reforms, not just damage control," he said.
He reiterated his demand for a long-term monitoring mechanism, third-party audits, and a comprehensive public health impact study to assess the consequences of such industrial mishaps in the region.
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