The board stated, “It is seen that you have been not submitting the Annual Report regularly under Section 9 of the Hazardous & Other waste (Management & Trans boundary movement) rules, 2016, which is a serious violation and liable to be punished under the Law al force. WHEREAS, Pollution Control Board, Assam have refused your request for extension of time for reply to the Show Cause notice issued to you on 10.06.2020.”
The board added, “Under the above facts & circumstances, Pollution Control Board, Assam is constrained to inform you that, you have non-chalantly violated the provisions of law in force causing pollution to the environment and in exercising of powers conferred upon it under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Section 33A of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act. 1974 and Section 31A of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act. 1981 as amended till date, you are directed to Close down all the production as well as drilling operations of your all installations of Baghjan Oil Field forth with and to take all necessary measures for extinguishing the fire/blow-out of the Well No. BGN-5.”
OIL in a statement stated OIL is intending to file a Writ Petition before the Gauhati High Court challenging the order passed by PCBA. “After the tripartite meeting held at Deputy Commissioner’s Tinsukia’s office on Saturday, all shut in producing oil/gas wells under Baghjan, which were stopped by protesters, had been open. However, drilling and workover operations in five more areas, which are outside the Baghjan area, are still stopped/blocked by protesters.”
OIL informed that to kill the well final operation is underway. “Digging of reservoir is completed. Connection of filling line from Dangori River to reservoir is also completed. Civil work to raise the boundary of the reservoir in progress to prevent overflow. Progress hampered due to rain.”
According to OIL due to stoppage/blockades, there was production loss of 386 MT of Crude Oil and 0.37 MMSCM of Natural Gas as reported on 20-06-2020. Operations were disrupted in 30 Oil wells and 3 gas wells. Cumulative production loss since 27th May, 2020 due to bandhs and blockades, 8013 MT Crude oil, 10.24 MMSCM of natural gas.
Read More: OIL to challenge Pollution Control Board closure notice in Gauhati High
