Nazira, 25 June: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) achieved a significant milestone today in its ongoing well control operations at the RDS site, demonstrating resilience and precision amidst mounting environmental challenges.
In a carefully coordinated effort, an extra-long boom crane and a 40-ton crane successfully removed 42 tubing stands from the derrick of the rig. This critical step has paved the way for the safe removal of the rig base from the wellhead — a key advancement in the containment process.
Following this, the operation now moves to the next phase: dismantling the existing Blowout Preventer (BOP) and installing a capping stack. ONGC has stated that a temporary rise in gas discharge is expected during this process. However, the company has reassured the public that the gas is non-toxic and the discharge volume is significantly reduced, posing no threat to those living beyond a 500-metre radius of the site.
Water blanketing continues as part of ONGC’s multi-layered safety strategy. The operation is being executed with the support of ONGC’s technical partner, CUDD Well Control, ensuring all actions are undertaken with the highest safety standards.
Rising water levels in the nearby Dikhow River have added to the logistical challenges. In response, the team is relocating high-capacity pumps to ensure uninterrupted safety support systems remain fully functional.
Meanwhile, ambient air quality is under continuous monitoring, with all parameters remaining within safe and permissible limits. Medical and relief camps remain active at the site, offering support and services to both field personnel and nearby communities.
ONGC reaffirmed its commitment to completing the well control operations safely, efficiently, and with full transparency, while working in close coordination with local authorities and stakeholders.
A section of the Fida Ali Bridge, located near the Muktabaari Tea Estate on the Dhodar Ali–Kalakta road in Sonari, has collapsed, posing a serious threat to public safety. The damaged portion has alarmed local residents and commuters who fear a major accident if urgent repairs are not undertaken.
According to locals, the bridge was constructed using substandard materials, which they believe led to its collapse. Despite repeated appeals, the damaged section remains unrepaired, causing inconvenience and raising safety concerns among daily travelers.
Local organizations, including the Tai Ahom Youva Parishad and the Assam Jatiyatabadi Youva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), have demanded...
In a major crackdown on cattle smuggling, police in Nazira have arrested nine people, including the notorious smuggler Azad Ali alias Kolia, and recovered 13 stolen cattle, along with six luxury vehicles and two motorcycles used in the illegal operation.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of November 6, led by CDSP of Nazira Tushar Desai, OC Nazira Bhaven Das, OC Simaluguri Devojit Kalita, and OC Namti, following a coordinated raid across multiple locations.
Police recovered the cattle — including one Jersey cow, five pregnant cows, and five calves — from Azad Ali’s lorry depot in the Teteliguri area of Simaluguri.
Those arrested have been identified as Azad Ali alias...
A shocking case of land scam has come to light in Nazira Revenue Circle, where valuable land has been transferred to another person without the knowledge of the original owner, Syeda Honamai Begum, and her heirs.
The land in question is located at Luthuri village under Dhupabar Mouza, and comprises 3 katha of land in Dag No. 359, 1 katha 19 losa in Dag No. 360, and 3 bigha 1 katha 8 losa in Dag No. 201, all under Periodic Patta Nos. 71, 125, and 201, respectively.
According to a letter issued by the Nazira Revenue Circle Office (No.NRC/Bibidh/1/2018-2019/2065, dated 19/07/2025), the 3 katha land in Dag No. 359, under Periodic Patta No. 71, was mutated in the name of Abdul Mujid through...
In a major step towards addressing the recurring flood problems in the Geleki area under the Nazira constituency, Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika and Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita jointly inaugurated the dredging project of the Doikhona, Denchi, and Namdang rivers on October 26.
With an allocation of ₹8 crore, the project aims to alleviate the long-standing flood woes of the region by improving water flow and reducing the risk of inundation that has frequently damaged agricultural lands and disrupted livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, Minister Pijush Hazarika also announced plans to construct a 20 km embankment along the Dikhow River to...
A travel story titled “From Himalayas to Aravali” by Dhiren Phukan, a promising writer from Nazira, was formally launched on October 29 at a ceremony held in Simaluguri town. The book was unveiled by noted poet, prose writer, critic, and Associate Professor of Assamese at Nazira College, Rajiv Borah.
The event was presided over by former president of Sivasagar District Sahitya Sabha, Joga Gogoi, who also moderated the programme. Prominent poet Anima Goswami graced the occasion as the special guest.
Speakers at the function praised Phukan’s literary effort and his vivid depiction of landscapes and cultures traversed in his journey from the Himalayas to the Aravalli range. The event...
A devastating fire ravaged several homes in the Dhapattipatti area of Nazira on Sunday night, leaving families homeless and causing extensive property damage. In response, a team of leaders from the Assam Shah Karmachari Sangha visited the affected site on October 28 to assess the situation and express solidarity with the victims.
The delegation was led by central president Harisuj Jamal, general secretary Rishabh Kalita, and central committee member Hitendra Nath Barua. They were accompanied by local union members, including Nazira branch president Dharamdev Karmakar, secretary Chinmay Bora, and other office bearers.
During the visit, the leaders met local officials and residents to...
As part of the Assam government's "Sevai Samarpan: Seva Saptah" program, a mega health camp titled "Shushrusha Setu" was organized today at Chakimukh Higher Secondary School's playground for the Nazira constituency. The event was inaugurated by Nazira constituency MLA Debabrata Saikia and Tai Ahom Development Council Chairman Mayur Borgohain by lighting lamps in memory of artist Zubeen Garg.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Nazira Co-District Commissioner Pratibha Meshram, Demow Co- District Commissioner Meenakshi Perme, Assistant Commissioner of Sivasagar District Parishmita Dhingia, Assistant Commissioners of Nazira Arunabh Sonowal...
A public roadblock was staged today at Sunpura in Assam’s Sivasagar district as residents demanded immediate repair of the Nangalamara bridge over the Disang River.
The bridge, which serves as a crucial link between Sepon and Sunpura, has been in a dilapidated condition since a section of it collapsed on January 16, 2022, restricting heavy vehicular movement. The situation worsened on August 13, 2025, when another portion of the bridge crumbled, leaving it accessible only to two-wheelers.
Despite repeated assurances from the Public Works Department (PWD), locals allege that no substantial repair work has been undertaken in the past three years. The collapse has severely affected daily...
The Tai Ahom Youva Parishad, Assam (TAIPA), Nazira regional committee, staged a protest on September 13 in front of Nazira Natya Mandir, pressing for key demands ahead of the 2026 elections.
The organization called for the inclusion of the Tai Ahom community in the Scheduled Tribe list and the creation of a separate Tai Ahom Autonomous Council.
During the protest, participants raised slogans against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction. TAIPA emphasized that recognition and autonomy for the Tai Ahom community remain urgent issues that need to be addressed before the upcoming polls.
The Geleki Reserved Forest in Assam, once a thriving ecological zone, is now under grave threat due to rampant encroachments by tea estates and authorities from neighbouring Nagaland. Despite statewide eviction drives against land grabbers, the Assam government has failed to address this long-standing issue, raising serious concerns among locals.
Declared a reserved forest in 1918, Geleki covered a total area of 5,137 hectares. Today, more than 4,000 hectares are reportedly under illegal occupation. Tea estates such as Borchila, Athkhel, Geleki, Amguri, and Tipuk have allegedly taken over large tracts of land. In addition, authorities from Nagaland are accused of gradually encroaching...
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