By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: A gas leak from an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) pipeline was reported at Silakuti Bhakat Gaon under Nazira in Assam’s Sivasagar district on Monday, prompting concerns among residents over safety and the condition of ageing infrastructure.
ONGC officials said the affected pipeline was isolated soon after the leak was detected and gas supply from the source was stopped to prevent any escalation. According to officials present at the site, the situation has been brought under control and normalcy is expected to be restored by the evening.
Officials explained that gas was no longer flowing into the damaged section of the pipeline and that only residual gas trapped inside the line was continuing to escape. Repair work would be undertaken once the remaining gas has dissipated, they said.
The officials also acknowledged concerns regarding the age of the pipeline, stating that a proposal for its replacement had already been submitted and was awaiting approval from the competent authorities. They added that compensation for any losses suffered by affected residents is under consideration.
Residents, however, alleged that signs of leakage had been visible for months and accused the authorities of failing to address the problem despite repeated concerns. Several villagers claimed that a slow leak had been continuing for nearly three months and that vapour-like emissions became more pronounced over the past day, heightening fears among people living nearby.
Local farmers said the leak had affected agricultural activities, with many reluctant to operate tractors and other machinery in fields close to the pipeline due to safety concerns. They also complained about the smell of gas and alleged that assurances to replace the ageing pipeline had not materialised.
Some residents further claimed that similar incidents had occurred in the past and alleged that maintenance and monitoring of underground pipelines had been inadequate. They warned that the leak could pose a serious risk if not addressed promptly and called for stronger preventive measures.
The leak was reported at Dithaipukhuri Silakuti Bhakat Gaon, where ONGC pipelines carrying crude oil and natural gas pass through agricultural land.
Villagers have urged ONGC and the district administration to conduct a thorough assessment of the site, address safety concerns and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
ONGC had not issued any official response to allegations raised by residents regarding maintenance practices and contractor-related irregularities at the time of filing this report.