In the future, ONGC must strictly adhere to precautionary measures at the gas wells. ONGC should be vigilant regarding all precautions and safety measures during the reopening process. The fire is currently under control.
Raja Pentapati AP BUREAU CHIEF National News
Rajolu MLA DevavaraprasadAmaravati, January 7 (Bharat News) AP
District Collector Mahesh Kumar stated that the gas leak and fire emanating from the ONGC Mori 5 borewell in Irusumanda village of Malkipuram mandal have been brought under control, and capping work will be completed soon.
He said that the threat to the people of Irusumanda, Gubbalavaripalem, Chintalapalli, and Lakkavaram villages has been completely eliminated, and they have almost returned to their homes and resumed normal life.
On Wednesday, the District Collector, along with Rajolu MLA Devavaraprasad and ONGC Executive Directors Vikram Saxena and Shantanuru Das, held a press conference at the local Collectorate to explain the current situation regarding the gas leak incident.
On this occasion, the District Collector said that the gas leak occurred at 11:30 AM on the 5th, and the fire spread at 12:30 PM. He stated that the local people were frightened, but a special rig was brought from Narasapuram, and control measures were initiated by first setting up a water umbrella using five pumps to reduce the intensity of the heat.
He revealed that the fire had been completely brought under control by this evening and that capping work on the borewell would be undertaken soon. He said that control measures were continuing through teams within a 10-meter radius.
He stated that assessments of the property damage caused by the blowout have begun, and that data is being collected to provide assistance to the people of the four villages.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajolu MLA Devavaraprasad said that the people of the three villages near Irusumanda, where the gas leak occurred, were gripped by fear and panic. He said it was surprising that even 102-year-old elderly people, pregnant women, and those with leg injuries ran to nearby villages in just half an hour out of fear for their lives.
He stated that due to ONGC’s failure to take proper precautions and provide adequate infrastructure, it took a long time to bring in the rig and set up the pumps.
He mentioned that except for about 10 percent of the people, everyone else is continuing their normal lives as usual. He advised the ONGC representatives to be vigilant regarding all precautions and safety measures for the people when reopening the borewells.
He emphasized that all precautionary measures must be strictly followed in the future. He also suggested that ONGC should construct a common facility center for the villages of Irusumanda, Gubbalavaripalem, Lakkavaram, and Chintapalli. Since ONGC is transporting oil and natural gas from this region, he said that under their corporate social responsibility, ONGC should provide employment opportunities to local youth in their operations.
He suggested that ONGC should construct a multi-specialty hospital on two and a half acres of land in Lakkaram village, allocating approximately 25 crore rupees, thereby providing healthcare security to the people of this region.
Bharat News Andhra Pradesh
