ONGC overseeing Andhra Pradesh well after gas leak; flame intensity reduces

State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on Tuesday, January 6, said its senior management has assumed operational control of the Mori-5 well in Andhra Pradesh following a gas leak reported during workover operations earlier this week.

In an exchange filing, ONGC said Director (Technology & Field Services) Vikram Saxena, along with experts from the crisis management team, has taken charge of operations at the well located at Irusumanda village in Malkipuram mandal.

The company added that excavation

work has been completed to create a temporary canal from a nearby irrigation source to support the deployment of high-capacity firewater pumps.

Fire pumps have reached the site and are currently being positioned, while a comprehensive blowout control plan has been finalised, the company said. ONGC also noted a gradual reduction in flame intensity and size, with the team successfully redirecting the flame vertically.

The company said air quality, noise levels and nearby water bodies are being continuously monitored within a 600-metre radius to minimise environmental impact. ONGC added that it remains in close coordination with district and police administrations, local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure an effective response.

ONGC had reported a gas leak yesterday (January 5), during workover operations at its Mori field facility in Andhra Pradesh, an incident flagged by operator Deep Industries. The company said there were no casualties or injuries, and that the well is located in a remote area with no human habitation within a radius of about 500-600 metres.

Shares of ONGC ended higher on Tuesday, January 6, by 1.55% at ₹241.79 on the NSE.

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