Recently, a blowout led to a significant gas leak at the Baghjan well in the Tinsukia district of Assam. This well, placed at an aerial distance of 900 meters from the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, belongs to Oil India Limited (OIL). Since 2006, OIL has been using this well to source natural gas, principally composed of propane, methane, propylene, and several other gases.
The Cause of the Gas Leak
The Baghjan gas well was undergoing maintenance when the leak occurred, necessitating temporary closure. Its Blowout Preventer (BOP) was also detached. However, gas began seeping out during the ongoing maintenance work. The exact cause behind the sudden and uncontrollable release of gas, also known as a blowout, is yet to be determined.
Possible Reasons for Leak
Some possible reasons for this blowout may include negligence, inadequate workmanship, improper maintenance, aging infrastructure, or even sabotage. Morpho-tectonic factors could also potentially contribute. On occasion, pressure imbalances in wells can trigger unexpected blowouts.
Steps Taken to Control the Leak
In response to the blowout, authorities have established a makeshift water reservoir near the well, drawing water from the Dangori river through pipelines. This measure seeks to ensure that the escaping gas does not ignite. The success of this approach depends mainly on two elements: the size of the water reservoir in place and the pressure at which the gas is escaping. Some blowouts may resolve by collapsing naturally.
Challenges in Controlling the Leak
The Baghjan gas leak is proving difficult to control, with the gas continuing to escape. Limited space, coupled with the lack of open space above the wellhead, poses significant challenges for BOP placement. This situation is extremely risky since the likelihood of fire remains.
Environmental Impact
The escaping gas carries up to a 5 km radius with the wind, leaving residue from the gas, or condensate, on local vegetation, including bamboo, tea gardens, banana trees, and betel nut trees. Additionally, reports indicate that this condensate is reaching the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Maguri-Motapung wetland. The leak has caused fatalities among Gangetic dolphins and various fish species, while bird populations have also decreased.
Impact Assessment
To protect the environment, OIL enlisted a National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) accredited consultant to conduct an Environment Impact Assessment study. This study aims to evaluate the blowout’s effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and develop a Socio-Economic Impact Assessment. NABET is part of the Quality Council of India and accredits education organizations, vocational training organizations, and skill certification bodies.
About Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, one of the world’s 19 biodiversity hotspots, is a National Park and Biosphere Reserve located on the south bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam. The park boasts a mixture of semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, littoral and swamp forests, along with patches of wet evergreen forests. It is known as the largest swamp forest in northeastern India and recognized as an Important Bird Area by the Bombay Natural History Society. Its most famous inhabitants include the rare white-winged wood ducks and feral horses.
About Maguri-Motapung Wetland
The Maguri Motapung Beel, located less than 10 km from Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, is part of the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve. Known locally as “Magur”, it is named after the local catfish ‘Clarius batrachus’. It is an Important Bird Area as notified by the Bombay Natural History Society.