ONGC: Gas Well Fire Subsides in Andhra, Escalation Risk "Remote"

ENERGY
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AuthorKavya Nair|Published at:
ONGC: Gas Well Fire Subsides in Andhra, Escalation Risk "Remote"
Overview

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) stated that the intensity of the gas well fire in Andhra Pradesh's Konaseema district has significantly reduced. Following progress in blowout control operations, residents evacuated earlier are now advised to resume normal activities due to a remote likelihood of escalation.

ONGC Gas Well Blaze Intensity Dims in Andhra, Evacuees Return

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) announced Wednesday that the fire at its gas well in Andhra Pradesh's Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district has seen its intensity substantially reduced. This development follows significant progress in blowout control operations at Well Mori-5, leading the district administration to advise hundreds of evacuated residents to resume their normal activities. The company stated there is only a "remote likelihood" of the blaze escalating.

Control Operations Underway

The massive fireball, which erupted near Mori and Irusumanda villages on January 5 after a gas leak, has now diminished. ONGC highlighted that its Crisis Management Team, working with Production Enhancement Contractor Deep Industries Ltd, is progressing according to the approved blowout control plan. Fire intensity, noise, and ambient heat in the vicinity have decreased considerably. An approach road has been completed to clear debris, paving the way for systematic removal and subsequent capping of the wellhead.

Community and Environmental Focus

Specialised ONGC teams from Delhi and Mumbai are on-site, working to contain the blowout that has been burning since January 5. A water blanket has been established to support ongoing operations. ONGC reiterated that the safety of the community and environmental protection are its highest priorities, with all actions compliant with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Over 450 residents from nearby villages had been evacuated, but they can now choose to return home or remain in relief centres. The company will decide on the future use or abandonment of Well Mori-5, amidst ongoing protests from some villagers urging ONGC to cease operations.

Next Steps

District officials indicated that once firefighters gain a clear line of sight of the gas well following debris clearance, ONGC will finalize its plan of action. This may involve capping the wellhead or calling for expert assistance from US-based Wild Well Control, a specialist in well control and emergency response.

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