Assam: NGT directs OIL to deposit Rs 25 crore, forms committee to probe Baghjan blowout incident

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Oil India Limited (OIL) to deposit Rs 25 crore with the District Magistrate, Tinsukia, Assam in connection to Baghjan oil well blowout incident and the subsequent blast.

“In view of the prima facie case made out against OIL on the extent of damage caused to the environment and biodiversity, damage to both human and wildlife, public health and, having regard to the financial worth of the Company and the extent of damage, we direct the OIL to deposit an initial amount of Rs 25 Crores with the District Magistrate, Tinsukia District, Assam and shall abide by further orders of the Tribunal,” the order stated.

A bench comprising Justice S P Wangdi and expert member Siddhanta Das constituted a committee headed by former Judge of the Gauhati High Court Judge B P Katakey to look into the matter and submit a report in 30 days.

Also read: Assam: Baghjan oil well blowout site loses connectivity after bridge collapses

The Committee will inspect the site and examine the cause of the gas and oil leak; extent of loss and damage caused to human life, wildlife, environment; damage and health hazard caused to the public; whether any contamination has been caused to water, air and soil of the area of the oil well and its vicinity; extent of contamination of water of the Dibru river due to the oil spill; impact on the eco sensitive zone of the Dibru Saikhowa National Park and Maguri-Motapung Wetland; impact on agriculture, Fishery and domestic animals in the area including others.

The initial blowout took place at the BGR 5 well at Baghjan on May 27^th, 2020 and a blast hit the well on June 9^th, 2020 causing death of many rare species in and around the Dibru Saikhow National Park. People left the area after the blast occurred. Thereafter, government constituted committee for high-level inquiry into the incident.

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