Tue Jun 17 17:21:02 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A significant natural gas leak from an ONGC rig in the Rudrasagar field of Assam’s Sivasagar district has prompted the evacuation of over 1,500 people. The leak, ongoing for four days, is due to extraordinarily high pressure in the well. ONGC is seeking international expertise to contain it. The Chief Minister of Assam is urging the Union Petroleum Minister to expedite the arrival of experts. The State government is providing relief to affected families, and the ONGC is providing shelter and medical assistance. The Chief Minister raised concerns about potential fire hazard.

**News Article:**

**Assam Gas Leak Prompts Evacuation, International Help Sought**

**Guwahati, June 17, 2025** – A major natural gas leak at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) rig in the Rudrasagar field of Sivasagar district, Assam, has forced the evacuation of over 1,500 residents. The leak, which began four days ago, stems from abnormally high pressure within the well, prompting ONGC to seek assistance from international experts.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met with affected people today, who are currently housed in temporary shelters, and expressed serious concerns about the potential for a fire. “If there is a fire for some reason, it will be a huge disaster. The situation will go out of control. The matter is very serious and very urgent,” he stated.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held a meeting in New Delhi to assess the situation, confirming the ongoing efforts to contain the leak, including the deployment of high-tech methods and constant monitoring by ONGC personnel in collaboration with overseas specialists.

The ONGC has mobilized resources to the site, including high-capacity fire pumps and frack pumps. They are also maintaining a water blanket to prevent fire.

The Assam government is providing ₹25,000 in relief to each of the affected families from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. ONGC is providing food, shelter, water and medical care.

Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging Minister Puri to expedite the arrival of international experts and to provide adequate compensation to the affected families. He expressed worry about the disruption to daily life including school and college attendance.

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