GUWAHATI: Debris removal activity, a critical component of the capping operation of the blowout well at Baghjan, has resumed even as the rain-induced floods severely damaged most of the connecting roads to the site causing delay in shifting equipment/material to the affected area.
Over a month has elapsed since the blowout from one of the gas-producing wells of Oil India Limited (OIL) triggering an explosion and subsequent fire at the site on June 9.
“Repair job of the road on Tinsukia Bypass (Plastic Park-Kaliapani–Baghjan well) is being carried out on war footing jointly by OIL and APWD for vehicular movement. Another road Talap–Kordoiguri–Bandarkhati-Baghjan EPS is also being repaired for entry into Baghjan EPS,” an official statement said on Monday.
“Civil work for building safe walkways, passages, etc, in and around the site in water submerged areas and temporary sheds for equipment are being carried out continuously as per requirement,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, even as the water level has started receding in the relief camp areas, inmates of the 12 camps set up near the site remain affected by flood and rain.
“Surveys for assessment of damage for compensation by the committee constituted by the district administration have been affected by rain and floods. Assessment for 19 families was completed yesterday amidst bad weather in Doomdooma circle. So far, 622 families have been surveyed in Doomdooma and Tinsukia circles,” the statement added.
OIL’s senior officials, including director (operations) and resident chief executive, visited the site on Sunday afternoon to assess the actual status of action taken for protecting environmental damage due to the blowout.
An ecological survey is under way in the Maguri grassland area with consultations being made with local ecological experts at Natungaon. The study will continue till one week beyond the date of capping the well.