Skip to content Skip to navigation

Firefighters dead in huge inferno at gas well

By AT News |

TINSUKIA: Two fire fighters died as they were trying to douse a huge inferno at a gas well in Tinsukia district on Tuesday even as the fury continues to spread out of control sending statewide shock and anger.

The inferno took place on Tuesday when a team of experts brought from Singapore were trying to defuse smokes of gas bellowing from the gas well belonging to Oil India Limited at Baghjan. The technical snag took place on May 27 resulting in the gas blow out from the ill fated well forcing over 1700 families to be displaced in 3 km radius.

Local residents blame it all on the oil and gas giant for ill preparedness in extracting oil and natural gas. According to them, OIL officials were trying to bring the situation under control only deploying a dozen of fire tenders without seeking assistance from the outside experts. The experts of Singapore was brought only after 12 days and by then the situation has turned worse.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who called up PM Narendra Modi, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday only dispatched his industry minister Chandra Mohan Patowary to take stock of the situation while Congress has blamed the Centre for failing to act promptly.

Identified as Tikheswar Gohain and Durlov Gogoi who have gone missing were found dead on a nearby waterbody on Wednesday morning. Gogoi is considered a veteran footballer who lost his mother three months back.

The OIL officials are clueless of an end to the inferno since the experts have not been able to bring the situation under control. Thousands of hectares of paddy fields have been covered by the oil and gas layers who have been demanding adequate compensation. OIL is learnt to have suspended two senior engineers after a preliminary enquiries.  

 

Add new comment

Random Stories

Bandh disrupts normal life in Sivasagar

5 May 2012 - 4:59pm | editor
Normal life in Sivasagar has been thrown out of gear under the impact of the 24-hour bandh call by AATASU on Saturday. Roads across the district wore deserted look, schools and colleges,shops and...

Three arrested in Kokrajhar

19 Sep 2019 - 10:01pm | AT Kokrajhar Bureau
KOKRAJHAR: Police apprehended three persons including a government employee involved with cheating related cases from Kokrajhar town on Thursday. According to Police, Kokrajhar and Guwahati police...

Rain brings flood in Guwahati

20 Apr 2010 - 12:19am | editor
Rainwaters seem to have wrecked havoc in Guwahati. Several parts in the city have been submerged by waters following heavy downpour that lashed Guwahati for several hours. The affected areas include...

Book released

22 May 2014 - 6:12pm | Hantigiri Narzary
Noted writer and retired IRS Janaklal Basumatary unveiled ‘the Saga of the Bodos’, a history book authored by noted historian and educationist Hiracharan Narjinary at a programme held at Sahara Hotel...

Other Contents by Author

Smily Academy XP Concludes with Emphasis on Indigenous Solutions for Climate Challenges

Panbaree Machans, Kaziranga: The inaugural Smily Academy XP drew to a successful close yesterday, marking the departure of participants from four continents to their respective countries. The five-day event, held amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Panbaree Machans, Kaziranga, focused on immersive learning experiences with indigenous communities to develop innovative solutions to local and global challenges, aiming to inspire a new generation of "eco-preneurs". Conceived as a special project of the Indigenous People’s Climate Justice Forum, founded by esteemed figures such as climate activist Rituraj Phukan and Padma Shree Jadav Payeng, the Forest Man of India, Smily Academy garnered...

Bahula Camel Milk launched

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable agriculture and the preservation of indigenous livestock, Saras Dairy, under the guidance of Joraram Kumawat, Minister of Animal Husbandry, proudly unveils its latest offering: pasteurized camel milk. This initiative, achieved through collaboration with Bahula Food Pvt Ltd and Urmul Seemant Samiti, signifies a pioneering step in the realm of public-private partnerships dedicated to supporting herders and safeguarding the invaluable camel population. Gratitude is extended to all stakeholders, including Mahant Pratap Puri, MLA Pokhran, and Dr. Bhawani Singh Rathore, Animal Husbandry Director, for their indispensable contributions. Recognition is...

Privacy Policy

Assam Times (.org) ("Assam Times", "we", "us", or "our") respects the privacy of our users ("you", "your"). This Privacy Policy describes the types of information we collect from and about you when you visit our website (the "Website") and how we use that information.   Information We Collect We collect two types of information on this Website: Personal Information: This is information that can be used to identify you as an individual, such as your name, email address, and any other information you choose to share in comments, forums, or other interactive features. We only collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us. Non-Personal Information: This...

Shillong Declaration: International Conclave on Water, Hill Lives, and Future Advocates Holistic Approach for Sustainable Development

In a landmark move, participants of the International Conclave on Water, Hill Lives, and Future, convened in Shillong on February 9th and 10th, 2024, have jointly adopted the "Shillong Declaration." This declaration underscores the critical interlinkages between water resources and hill ecosystems, emphasizing a holistic approach towards achieving sustainable development in these regions.   The vital role of water as a critical resource and the need for enhanced resilience around water in hilly terrains, as underscored by the declining water table and spring water levels, waning traditional water systems, retreating, and polluting rivers, changing rainfall patterns, increase...

Maru Manthan 2024: Forum Unites Global Efforts to Preserve Desert Ecosystem

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Today marks the commencement of the 3rd edition of Maru Manthan, a transformative forum orchestrated by the Desert Resource Centre and Urmul, in collaboration with desert communities. Held on February 9th and 10th, 2024, in the heart of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Maru Manthan stands as a beacon for celebrating the indomitable spirit of the desert and fostering sustainable solutions amidst its challenges. The forum draws together an illustrious lineup of organizations and individuals dedicated to desert conservation and community empowerment. Representatives from esteemed entities such as the Foundation for Ecological Security, Ministry of Lowlands & Irrigation (...

Uttar Purvi Mahotsav 2024: Celebrating Northeast India's Cultural Tapestry & Economic Opportunities

The 'Uttar Purvi Mahotsav 2024', a five-day cultural extravaganza showcasing Northeast India's richness, kicks off on January 13 at Bharat Mandapam. Organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and NEHHDC, the festival aims to display diverse arts, crafts, and cultures, fostering economic opportunities. With 250 participants including weavers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, the event features panel discussions, buyer-seller meets, traditional performances, and a focus on women's roles in regional development. Highlighting the youth's contribution and challenges, the festival aims to explore how they can shape India's economic landscape. Additionally, specialized...

Youth Leaders in Assam Trained to Combat Plastic Pollution

In a bid to empower the youth against the perils of single-use plastics, the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Challenge made significant strides in Assam. The WWF-India, alongside UNEP, orchestrated a pivotal Teachers’ Training Program on December 19th, 2023, at Maharishi Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in Silpukhuri. This initiative, a global endeavor ongoing since 2019, aims to cultivate leadership qualities among the youth to combat the menace of plastic pollution. WWF-India has taken the helm as the knowledge and implementing partner, customizing and executing the program's intricacies across the country. The training session witnessed the active participation of teachers from 37...

Indigenous Communities in Assam and Northeast India Mark International Human Rights Day

December 10, 2023, saw the Indigenous Peoples'  of Mung-Dun-Chun-Kham, Assam, Northeast, joined by the Jatiatabad Punar Nirman Samiti, observe World Human Rights Day in diverse regions of the state. The programme was held at Guwahati Press Club. A discussion titled "Human Rights and Northeast Region" was arranged. Notable speakers, including Pradeep Gogoi, Vice President of the ULFA (Discussion faction), L. Khongsai, President of Assam Kuki Welfare Society, N.G. Sanahaal Singha, President of Assam Manipuri Students' Association, Mrinal Gohain, Thinker, Meishnam Bhagat Singha, Paotinlen Chongloui, human rights activist, Shaheen Ahmed, academic and researcher, Rajkumar Baishya,...

Indigenous Peoples of North East India Unite, Advocate for Rights at Assam Divas Observance

Guwahati: The Indigenous peoples of Mung-Dun-Chun-Kham, Assam, North East India (IPMDCKANEI) came together on Assam Divas (Sukafa Divas) to address critical issues impacting their communities. Held at the Conference Hall, Media Trust', Rup Nagar, Guwahati, the day-long program included a significant round table conference featuring ethnic activists from Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Nagaland. The event commenced with tributes to historical figures, Chao Pha Chao lung Sukafa and Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, followed by intense discussions on the challenges confronting indigenous groups in North East India. Representatives from various organizations including the United Bodo Peoples...

North East India Unites for Free-Flowing Rivers: Teesta Declaration Highlights Environmental Concerns

Representatives from various indigenous groups and environmental organizations convened in Gangtok, Sikkim, for the North East India Meet on Free Flowing Rivers. The gathering, hosted by the Affected Citizens of Teesta, Centre for Research and Advocacy (Manipur), and the Borok Peoples Human Rights Organization, concluded with a significant resolution aimed at safeguarding the region's rivers and biodiversity. "We recognize the intrinsic rights of rivers to flow freely and the vital relationship between indigenous communities and their natural resources," emphasized a spokesperson from the conference. The Teesta Declaration outlined pressing concerns regarding the construction of...