SOPs reviewed in oil and gas sector for improvement in the drilling procedure: Pradhan informs Parliament

“In order to prevent such accidents in future, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are also being re-visited for making improvements, if any,” Mr Pradhan said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Government had formed a three member committee to inquire into the Baghjan incident where fire has been raging for the last three months.

Mr Pradhan said there has been an impact on the nearby areas because of the heat and noise generated from the blowout well of Baghjan field.  Approximately 3000 affected families were evacuated to rehabilitation camps set up by the district administration. 

He informed that district administration has constituted a committee for assessment of property loss for which OIL has to deposit the compensation amount to district administration for disbursal to the affected families.

So far, 2,756 families have been identified for compensation in Doomdooma and Tinsukia Circle. An amount of Rs 10,93,50,500 has been deposited with district administration by OIL for providing one-time compensation of Rs 30,000 each to the 3645 affected families.

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also directed OIL for payment of interim compensation.