2020 Assam gas and oil leak
The 2020 Assam gas and oil leak, also referred as Tinsukia gas leak or Baghjan gas leak, is a petroleum gas and oil leak that happened in Oil India Limited's Baghjan Oilfield operated by John Energy Pvt Ltd in Tinsukia district, Assam, India on 27 May 2020. It occurred due to failing pressure systems in the oil well. Thousands of people and several villages were evacuated.[1][2] There have been reported deaths of several aquatic animals in nearby region. As of 22 July 2020, the gas is still leaking uncontrollably.[3] A team of experts from a Singapore-based firm were called to inspect the situation and help the OIL and ONGC teams.[2][4] Despite the combined efforts by Indian and foreign experts, the well is still burning. Recently on 21 July 2020, an explosion occurred at the well number 5 and three foreign experts were injured in the incident.[5]
Date | 27 May 2020 |
---|---|
Location | Baghjan Oilfield, Tinsukia district, Assam, India |
Deaths | 2 |
Fire and damages
On 9 June 2020, the oil well caught fire. The fire quickly spread to a larger area and burned down nearby trees, crops and houses.[6] The fire also resulted in death of two employees.[7] This also caused protests in some parts of the state by environment activists, local residents and students. OIL later said that it will take four weeks to recover. Wildlife in nearby area including some vulnerable species in nearby Dibru-Saikhowa National Park are also affected. It is also reported that some harmful chemicals are also released creating chances of more damage.[8]
Evacuation
Thousands of people are being evacuated and National Disaster Response Force has been deployed in the area. Indian Air Force and Indian Army are also assisting.[9] OIL announced that they will give ₹30,000 as compensation to all those families who are affected.[8]
References
- "Massive blast at oil field in Assam's Tinsukia district". India Today. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
- "Assam gas leak: why it's tough to plug, and what threat it poses to the area". The Indian Express. 8 June 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
- Staff, Scroll. "Assam: Oil India says well still leaking gas 'uncontrollably', over a week after major blowout". Scroll.in. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
- Rao, Madhu (6 June 2020). "Singaporean experts to try check Assam oil well gas leak". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
- "3 Foreign Experts Injured in Blast at Oil India's Baghjan Plant". www.thequint.com. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
- Staff, Scroll. "Assam: Fire breaks out at Oil India's gas well in Tinsukia, days after major blow out". Scroll.in. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- "Assam Gas Leak: Two die in fire at gas well in Assam's Tinsukia". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- "Environmental cost of Assam oil field blaze may never be recovered". India Today. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
- "Fire At Oil Well Leaking Gas For Days, Assam Wants Army, Air Force Help". NDTV.com. Retrieved 10 June 2020.