ONGC begins cement-plugging operation at Bombay High Rig
The process of ‘cement plugging’ the leak of high pressure inflammable gas began on Sunday, a day after it was reported at an oil rig owned by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) at Bombay High off the Mumbai coast, even as inclement weather was hampering the operation.
“The situation is totally under control and the leakage was contained yesterday itself,” an ONGC spokesperson said, adding that the crisis management team has started the cementing work to plug the source of leak at the rig, called Sagar Uday.
He also said there was no threat of water pollution. Meanwhile, a defence official said a ship each from the Navy and the Coast Guard were present in the vicinity to provide any kind of assistance, if needed. “The ships are in communication with the personnel present on the oil rig,” the official said.
ONGC had on Saturday night clarified that there was no loss of life or property, and there was no blowout as such, though some gas had leaked unexpectedly during drilling. PTI
“The situation is totally under control and the leakage was contained yesterday itself,” an ONGC spokesperson said, adding that the crisis management team has started the cementing work to plug the source of leak at the rig, called Sagar Uday.
He also said there was no threat of water pollution. Meanwhile, a defence official said a ship each from the Navy and the Coast Guard were present in the vicinity to provide any kind of assistance, if needed. “The ships are in communication with the personnel present on the oil rig,” the official said.
After the leak was reported at the rig on Saturday, ONGC immediately activated safety procedures by shutting down drilling operations and evacuated 42 non-essential staff out of 82 personnel. ONGC was drilling a side track well from a platform called NS on the Bombay High North field.
ONGC had on Saturday night clarified that there was no loss of life or property, and there was no blowout as such, though some gas had leaked unexpectedly during drilling. PTI
