CM Naidu Reviews ONGC Well Blowout Situation in Konaseema, Assures Relief and Swift Action

Amaravati, Jan 2026 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday conducted an aerial survey of the ONGC gas well at Irusumanda village in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, where a major blowout has continued unabated for the fifth consecutive day. The Chief Minister assessed the scale of the incident and the ongoing containment efforts as flames and gas discharge remained visible at the site.

Following the aerial inspection, Naidu chaired a detailed review meeting at Rayavaram in Mandapeta constituency with senior officials of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Konaseema District Collector Mahesh Kumar, Amalapuram MP Harish Balayogi, and local MLA Varaprasad. During the meeting, the Chief Minister sought a comprehensive briefing on the measures being taken to control the blowout and the timeline for capping the well.

Expressing concern over the impact on local livelihoods, Naidu directed officials to immediately assess the damage caused to coconut plantations in the surrounding areas due to the intense flames and heat. He instructed the district administration to ensure compensation for farmers whose coconut trees and crops have been damaged, stressing that relief measures should be implemented without delay.

Meanwhile, ONGC stated that it is continuing focused and round-the-clock efforts to subdue and cap well Mori-5, which is being operated by PEC contractor Deep Industries Limited, in accordance with the approved blowout control plan. In an official statement, the state-owned energy major said its Crisis Management Team has made significant progress by clearing most of the debris from the wellsite, enabling safer access to the wellhead area.

ONGC said that major structural obstructions, including sections of the mast and associated equipment damaged during the incident, have been successfully removed. This has allowed operations to move closer to the critical capping stage. The company added that all essential equipment and materials required to expedite the process have been mobilised and positioned at the site.

To ensure the safety of personnel and equipment, a continuous water blanket is being maintained around the wellhead area, creating safer conditions for ongoing operations. ONGC noted that with the situation stabilising, residents in nearby villages have gradually resumed their normal daily activities.

The company reiterated that its Crisis Management Team is strictly following all prescribed Standard Operating Procedures and is working in close coordination with the local administration. “Safety of the community and protection of the environment remain our highest priorities,” ONGC said, emphasising its commitment to preventing any further escalation.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon when crude-mixed gas suddenly erupted during repair operations using a workover rig after the well had temporarily stopped production. The powerful blowout sent a massive plume of gas and crude oil high into the air, while thick clouds of smoke spread across Irusumanda and surrounding villages like dense fog, triggering panic among residents.