DIBRUGARH, July 14 � The raging well head fire at Baghjan oilwell number 5 has finally been killed this afternoon. The fire, which was burning uncontrollably since the morning hours of June 9, took sustained efforts spanning a month and six days to be doused.
The Crisis Management Team is taking no chance, as the well head continues to spew gas and condensates at 4500 PSI (pounds per square inch) pressure.
The fire was put to rest without the use of any chemicals, said a top OIL official. It was brought down with five high pressure water spouts, sprayed on the fire from two adjacent directions. "It was pure river water from the Dangori river," said the official. Each of the spouts were throwing water at 2500 gallons per minute. After a sustained downpour that continued for well over an hour, the inferno finally caved in.
Though the fire has died out, a couple of water spouts continue to spray on the well head, to negate any re-ignition of the fire.
This will now be followed by the capping efforts, whereby a metal body called Blow Out Preventer (BOP) would be put on the well head, and hopefully block the flow of gas.
At Duliajan, officials as well as other personnel of the CMT are now breathing easy and hoping that what will follow in the coming days should be a matter of careful protocol observance. A top OIL official told this reporter this evening that the capping efforts would be launched tomorrow itself.
Elsewhere in Baghjan and its nearby areas, the pollution level monitoring teams are continuing with the data collection activities. The compiled extracts from these activities would also be submitted to the NGT � formed high level committee led by Justice (Retired) B P Katakey.
The TERI team (from Delhi) could not collect samples for monitoring of air quality and noise level on Monday as they were undergoing COVID-19 tests.
As flood water level is receding, attempts will be made for site preparation for bio remediation in high land areas near the Maguri Beel. Bio material for bio remediation process have been received and application of it will be started once water level recedes and site preparation is completed in the affected areas.
OIL today renewed its appeal to the various agitating teams in the greater Baghjan area to call off their agitation programmes. As a result of the demonstrations and blockades, all work of the company�s oil and gas production activities have come to a standstill since the afternoon of July 7. OIL has already stated that due compensation and rehabilitation would be borne by the company, as would be directed by the NGT-appointed committee, led by Justice (Retired) Katakey. OIL�s production activities are being affected at other places too, due to blockades and demonstrations. The senior OIL official said the company is willing to sort out all problems and grievances at the discussion table.
