**Gas Leak Causes Panic in Andhra Pradesh’s Ambedkar Konaseema District**
A gas leak at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well during re-drilling operations triggered panic in Ambedkar Konaseema District, Andhra Pradesh. Eyewitnesses reported that a high-pressure gas jet shot up nearly 20 meters into the air, causing nearby residents and ONGC workers to evacuate the Well No. 21 area in fear. Emergency response teams from ONGC swiftly managed to control the situation, with fire engines stationed in Pasarlapudi village, approximately 12 km from the economic hub of Amalapuram, playing a crucial role in containing the leak and preventing a potential fire outbreak.
According to Hanumanth Rao, Fire Department Inspector, ONGC officials confirmed that the situation was stabilized and assured that further drilling would only resume after comprehensive safety inspections. Local villagers expressed their concerns regarding the ongoing risks associated with ONGC operations in the area, urging for enhanced preventive measures to safeguard public safety.
ONGC has a significant operational presence in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Konaseema district, which is part of the Godavari delta and the broader Krishna Godavari Basin, known for its rich hydrocarbon reserves. The corporation operates several gas collection stations in the region, including one in Kesanapalli. Notably, a hydrogen sulphide gas leak occurred at ONGC’s Kesanapalli gas collection station on March 12, 2025, affecting nine workers and causing illness in a four-year-old child. Officials attributed that incident to inadequate maintenance, specifically the accumulation of microorganisms and their anaerobic respiration.
The Andhra Pradesh Human Rights Forum has criticized ONGC for neglecting safety protocols, highlighting a troubling pattern of industrial accidents in the region due to insufficient preventive measures and weak regulatory enforcement.
In conclusion, the recent gas leak incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety standards and regulatory oversight in ONGC’s operations to protect the local community and prevent future accidents.
**FAQ**
**What safety measures are being implemented after the gas leak in Andhra Pradesh?**
ONGC has stated that further drilling will only resume after thorough safety inspections are conducted to ensure the safety of workers and nearby residents.
