Assam: Another OIL rig leak in Baghjan reignites fears of past disaster

DIBRUGARH: Once again, an oil and gas rig operated by the Oil India Limited (OIL) in Dighaltarang area under Baghjan village of Tinsukia district in Assam uncontrollably spewed out crude oil, gases, and condensates for nearly three hours on Tuesday (April 09) night, reigniting fears of another Baghjan blowout among the villagers.

Promptly responding to the incident, a team of experts from OIL swiftly took action and managed to plug the oil well by closing a valve.

However, the event left the residents on edge, vividly recalling the devastating Baghjan blowout and oil fire of 2020 that ravaged the region.

The leak occurred in an oil rig located near the banks of the Dangori River, which flows through Dibru Saikhowa national park in Assam.

Villagers expressed concerns about the damage to water bodies, tea gardens, and agricultural farms, highlighting the constant fear and anxiety that has gripped the community since the previous catastrophe.

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Satyajit Moran, advisor to Baghjan Milanjyoti Sangha, likened the recent incident to the Baghjan blowout, noting that while the leakage was controlled by OIL officials, the pervasive smell of condensate from the oil rig had rendered the atmosphere unhealthy.

The spillage also impacted labour lines and tea gardens in the area.

Tinsukia district commissioner Swapaneel Paul assured that the leakage was swiftly brought under control, with no reported damages thus far.

An inquiry into the incident is underway.

The leak has affected approximately 600 residents residing near the rig, further exacerbating the ongoing struggles of the Baghjan and Natun Rongagora villagers in their compensation battle in the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Despite court orders, villagers claim that the Tinsukia district administration in Assam has not adequately compensated them for the 2020 Baghjan blowout.