Assam: ONGC detonations spark concerns over air pollution and public safety in Sivasagar’s Nazira

Sivasagar: Residents of Gorakhia Nagar near Dhodar Ali in Nazira, Sivasagar, have raised concerns over loud explosions and thick black smoke reportedly caused by the detonation of explosive materials by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) over two days.

The explosions, heard at intervals, sent plumes of black smoke into the air, affecting Gorakhia Nagar and adjoining areas. Residents said they were not informed about the activity and expressed concern over its potential impact on public health, livestock and agricultural fields.

According to residents, the explosions involved explosive materials that ONGC was reportedly disposing of through controlled detonation. However, the exact nature of the materials and the purpose of the operation could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.

“This has been going on since yesterday. Loud explosions are heard at intervals, followed by black smoke filling the air. There were explosions even this morning, and the entire area is being polluted. We have not been given any information about what is happening. When we came here today to enquire, we were told to leave,” a local resident said.

Another resident said the activity could put children, livestock and farmland at risk.

“There are children here, and our livestock, and everything is being affected. The black smoke is polluting the air around us. We want to know what is happening. We were told that the people behind these explosions have permission to carry them out, but we do not know what exactly they are doing, and they are not telling us. They had stopped after we raised the matter yesterday, but the explosions began again today. Our agricultural fields are also being affected,” the resident said.

Pointing to red flags placed around the site, the resident questioned whether adequate safety measures were in place.

“We understand that this means the area is dangerous, but animals do not understand this, and neither do small children. This poses a big threat, and there are no protective measures,” the resident added.