Government Assures Relief, Safety Measures After Konaseema Gas Well Blaze

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday carried out an aerial inspection of the gas well fire in Mori and Irsumanda villages of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district to assess the severity of the accident that has been burning for the past five days.

The Chief Minister undertook the helicopter survey as flames continued to shoot up from the gas well, prompting concerns over safety and damage to nearby agricultural land. Following the inspection, he held a review meeting with ONGC officials and district authorities, issuing directions on emergency control measures and relief efforts.

Compensation for affected farmers:

Expressing concern over the damage to coconut plantations and farmlands in the surrounding areas, the Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure immediate compensation to farmers who suffered losses due to the fire. He stressed that the government must stand firmly with those affected by the incident.

Fire intensity gradually reducing:

The fire at Well Mori-5 , which had been rising to nearly 20 metres , has shown signs of gradually coming under control , officials said. As a first step toward completely dousing the flames, workers are currently removing scrap metal, damaged equipment, and debris from around the site.

An ONGC official said the debris removal is expected to be completed within two days , after which teams can safely approach the wellhead to seal the leak and extinguish the fire fully.

ONGC takes direct charge:

Although the gas well is being operated by Ahmedabad-based Deep Industries , the senior management of ONGC has now taken direct supervision of the operation, considering the seriousness of the incident.

Discussions are also underway on seeking technical assistance from the US-based Wild Well Control, a globally reputed firm specialising in gas well fire control. Meanwhile, ONGC teams continue to work round the clock to bring the situation completely under control.