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.
Juktali Higher Secondary School, located in Machagarh under Nazira Co-District, has brought laurels to Assam by winning the prestigious “Tobacco-Free Institution Award” at a national-level ceremony held in New Delhi on May 29.
The award was conferred under the nationwide “School Challenge – Tobacco-Free Environment 2025”, an initiative organized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to promote tobacco-free educational institutions across the country.
The competition, conducted in August last year, witnessed participation from high and higher secondary schools from across India. Schools were assessed on a range of awareness activities, including street plays, poster-making...
Around 35 tea garden workers, including a pregnant woman, were injured after a vehicle carrying them overturned at Geleki Na Ali in Nazira on Friday morning.
According to reports, the accident occurred at around 7:00 AM when a Tata Ace vehicle (AS-04-BC-9838), owned by Pranjal Pangging of Hatipatti, was transporting workers from Hatipatti and Bogichapori areas to Geleki Athkhel Tea Garden as part of their daily commute.
Sources said the accident took place after a person suddenly ran across the road in front of the vehicle. In an attempt to avoid hitting the pedestrian, the driver applied the brakes abruptly, causing the overloaded vehicle to overturn on the road.
Nearly 35 male...
An emotional and charged atmosphere prevailed at the historic Kareng courtyard as people across Assam marked the first day of Rongali Bihu—the Bohag festival—amid grief over the absence of iconic singer Zubeen Garg. From Upper Assam to Lower Assam, voices united in a powerful call: “Justice for Zubeen Garg.”
Rongali Bihu, the most cherished festival of the Assamese community, began with its first day known as Manuh Bihu, traditionally dedicated to human bonding and respect. This year, however, celebrations carried a deep sense of sorrow as people paid tribute to the beloved artist, widely regarded as the heartbeat of Assamese culture and a youth icon.
At the Kareng...
Nazira, April 10: The declaration of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination results has brought encouraging news for the Nazira subdivision, with several government educational institutions registering commendable performances and reinforcing confidence in the region’s academic progress.
Nazira Bartala Higher Secondary School once again upheld its reputation by securing an impressive pass percentage of 95.74. Out of 47 candidates who appeared, 24 achieved first division and 21 secured second division, while 14 students earned letter marks across subjects.
Nazira Higher Secondary Multipurpose School also delivered a satisfactory outcome, recording an 81...
Nazira, April 4: The Assam United Mahasangha has extended its support to four independent candidates in the upcoming elections, underscoring what it described as a critical need to restore governance rights for indigenous communities in the state.
Addressing a press conference in Nazira, the organization’s Security Council President, Matiur Rahman, launched a sharp critique of major political parties. He alleged that their policies have consistently undermined indigenous interests, particularly by favoring migrant populations.
As part of its political stance, the Mahasangha announced its endorsement of the following candidates:
Dr. Bhavendra Nath Mohan from Sivasagar
Rubul...
Nazira, April 3: Senior CPI leader Kanak Gogoi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led alliance, alleging that “communal politics has eroded the value-based political culture of Assam,” and expressed confidence that the ruling coalition will be voted out in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Addressing a press conference in Nazira, Gogoi, who is also the CPI’s candidate for the Nazira legislative constituency in the forthcoming 2026 Assam Assembly elections, said the BJP-led government has weakened Assam’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony and socialism. He accused the ruling alliance of promoting divisive “Hindu-Muslim-Miya politics,” which he claimed has misled the...
Nazira, March 26: A severe shortage of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders has disrupted normal life across Nazira sub-division, causing widespread hardship for residents in several areas.
Amid the ongoing Assembly election period, many localities including Nazira town, Simaluguri, Geleki, Namti, Michajan, Mechagarh, Balighat, Santak, Bihubar, Mathurapur, Athkhel and Singibil are reportedly facing an acute shortage of fuel and cooking gas. Local residents have described the situation as an “artificial” scarcity that has intensified over the past few days.
Most petrol pumps in the region have reportedly run out of stock, leaving consumers struggling to obtain essential fuel. At a few...
Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervour in Nazira town and several parts of Nazira Co-District on Friday, along with other parts of Assam and across the country.
On the occasion, thousands of devotees gathered at the Nazira Eidgah ground to offer the special Eid prayers. The congregational prayer was led by Maulana Fariduddin Ahmed Qasimi, Imam of Nazira Sadar Mosque, while the proceedings were conducted by Abdur Rahman.
After the prayers, the devotees offered special supplications seeking peace, harmony, and prosperity in Assam as well as across the world.
Meanwhile, Eid-ul-Fitr was also celebrated with equal enthusiasm in Gelaki, a bordering area of...
Senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia on Friday filed his nomination for the fourth time from the Nazira Assembly constituency, seeking to once again represent the region in the Assam Legislative Assembly. He submitted his papers at the Sivasagar District Commissioner’s office amid a large show of support.
The newly restructured 97 No. Nazira constituency covers key areas including Nazira, Amguri rural block, Nazira municipal area, Simaluguri, and Amguri municipal block. The nomination rally drew hundreds of supporters from diverse communities, notably members of the tea tribe community. The procession turned festive with traditional performances such as Jhumur and Bihu, accompanied by...
As Assam prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections, concerns are mounting over the absence of dedicated election officers’ offices at the Co-District level. The issue has drawn criticism from journalists and local stakeholders, who argue that the current arrangement has rendered Co-Districts “powerless and ineffective.”
Sources indicate that earlier, each subdivision—now functioning as a Co-District—had its own election officer’s office. These offices played a crucial role in managing election-related responsibilities locally, including the issuance of accreditation passes for journalists covering the polls. The decentralized system ensured smoother access and efficiency, particularly...
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