State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has announced significant strides in containing the gas blowout at its well RDS#147A, located in Assam’s Rudrasagar oilfield. The uncontrolled natural gas flow, which commenced on June 12 at a well operated by private contractor S K Petro Services in Barichuk, Sivasagar district, has seen a substantial reduction in its flow rate, marking a crucial advancement in the ongoing containment efforts. This progress was confirmed by the state-run oil major, highlighting a critical step towards bringing the situation under complete control.

Further reinforcing ONGC's strategy, an international team of experts from US-based CUDD Pressure Control arrived at the site on Friday. After a thorough review of the company’s well control operations, the specialists expressed full agreement with the measures implemented and affirmed the effectiveness of ONGC's approach. While a definitive timeline for fully sealing the well has not been provided, ONGC stated that extensive site preparations are currently underway for the subsequent phase of operations. These critical next steps include the removal of tubulars from the wellbore and the mobilization of cranes, which are essential for clearing the rig floor to facilitate further intervention.

Safety remains a paramount concern throughout the operation, with rigorous measures in place to mitigate risks. Continuous 24x7 water blanketing is being maintained around the well site as a primary precaution against fire hazards. Environmental compliance is also being strictly observed, with ongoing flood-level monitoring of the nearby Dikhow River. To ensure the safety of personnel and the surrounding community, ONGC is continuously monitoring the low explosive limit (LEL) levels of air in the vicinity of the well using real-time gas detectors. Additionally, medical assistance is being readily provided at a relief camp established to support all individuals in need.

India's Oil Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, has been closely overseeing the operations, as indicated in a recent LinkedIn post. He confirmed that a Crisis Management Team, comprised of experienced blowout control specialists, is actively engaged at the site. Minister Puri also verified that nearby residents had been safely relocated to a relief camp, where local authorities have ensured the provision of essential services including food, security, and other vital supplies. He further elaborated on the composition of the gas, noting that it is primarily methane (approximately 97%), which disperses upwards, thereby limiting accumulation at ground level and reducing potential hazards. Air quality monitoring reports indicate that levels remain within safe limits even within a 50-100 meter radius from the well, offering reassurance regarding environmental impact.

A significant positive indicator of the falling gas intensity is the substantial drop in wellhead pressure, which has decreased from an initial 2,600 psi to a mere 500 psi. This reduction signifies a crucial de-escalation of the situation. Regarding the specific containment techniques, Minister Puri stated that efforts are underway to contain the situation through a "junk shot operation," and there are plans to attempt pumping "kill fluids" into the well. Should these methods prove insufficient, the option of capping the well entirely will be considered as a further measure to bring the blowout under complete control. The integrated efforts from ONGC, international experts, and government oversight reflect a comprehensive approach to resolving this critical incident.