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Geleki Oilfield in Nazira with pipelines interconnecting the ONGC oil and gas wells with the Gas Gathering Stations (GGS) (Photo: Meil)

Jorhat, July 11: The underground gas leak at the Geleki oilfield, located in Assam's Sivasagar district, has now persisted for five days. Despite extensive efforts, the state-owned oil company has yet to pinpoint the source of the leak.

Initially reported at Bishnupur Adarsha Gaon, the leak has since expanded to various locations, raising significant safety concerns. Authorities have advised local residents to refrain from lighting fires due to the escaping gas.

Despite the involvement of technical experts from various ONGC departments, attempts to locate and contain the leak have not yielded results. An ONGC representative stated, "We are actively searching for the leak's origin, as several oil wells are in proximity. We are continuously inspecting wellheads, but no pipeline linked to the leak has been discovered."

The official further explained that teams have dug pits up to 10-12 feet deep in the affected area but have yet to find the source of the gas or any associated pipeline. "Recent rainfall has complicated our efforts, as the excavated pits are now filled with water," the official added.

What began at a local broiler farm owned by Basanta Duara has now been detected in a nearby oil pit and is also emerging from agricultural fields, indicating a broader spread of the leak.

Duara expressed the community's distress, stating, "We are living in constant fear and anxiety. We haven't been able to sleep or eat properly due to warnings against using gas stoves or any open flames." He noted that gas is now leaking from multiple sites within a kilometer radius of the original leak.

Residents have reported experiencing burning sensations in their eyes and skin since the leak began, and Duara mentioned that no relief or compensation has been provided thus far.

The ongoing situation has heightened concerns among villagers, who are frustrated by the slow response in identifying the leak's source despite the presence of specialized teams. On Friday, the Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) called for immediate action from ONGC to safeguard local residents and their livelihoods, threatening public protests if the situation remains unresolved.

In response to health and compensation concerns, an ONGC official assured that the company is closely monitoring the situation. "The management will certainly address public grievances," the official stated.

As the leak continues into its fifth day with no clear resolution in sight, uncertainty looms over Bishnupur Adarsha Gaon and surrounding areas.