ONGC has taken a decisive step forward in addressing a major gas leakage crisis at an Andhra Pradesh well, unveiling its finalized blueprint for containment. The troubled site in the KG Basin has been spewing gas since mid-October, drawing scrutiny from regulators and nearby communities.
Detailed engineering reviews spanning days led to this announcement, where ONGC detailed a high-tech approach involving dynamic kill techniques. This method uses precisely calculated fluids to counteract the leak’s force, followed by mechanical barriers and diagnostic logging to ensure long-term integrity.
‘What sets this plan apart is its layered safety protocols,’ explained the project lead. Teams will employ remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for underwater inspections, minimizing human exposure to risks. Contingency measures, including potential relief well drilling, have also been prepped as backups.
The incident has spotlighted vulnerabilities in aging offshore infrastructure, with the well originally drilled two decades ago. ONGC reports no injuries or major spills so far, but flare stacks have been burning off excess gas continuously, visible from coastal villages.
Collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and state pollution boards is in full swing, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental norms. Production from adjacent wells remains unaffected, but the company is bracing for temporary halts during the intervention.
Expected to unfold over 10-15 days, the operation will be live-streamed for transparency to stakeholders. This episode serves as a reminder of the high-stakes nature of deepwater drilling, where geological surprises can quickly escalate. ONGC’s proactive stance is poised to restore confidence in its safety record.
