Mori-5 Well Holds Up to 40 Million Tonnes of Reserves: Collector
The district collector said officials have analysed that the well is an insulated well with reserves of 30 to 40 million tonnes estimated to be available in the underground layer.
Kakinada:Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district collector R. Mahesh Kumar said the Mori-5 well of ONGC has 30 to 40 million tonnes of oil and gas reserves. The ONGC had leased the borewell to Deep Industries in 2024, he said.
Mahesh Kumar said that, according to ONGC officials, by 12.20 pm on Monday, gas suddenly spread from the well, engulfing the entire area, while drilling was underway at an ONGC well near Irusumanda village in Malkipuram mandal. Subsequently, at 12.40 pm, flames erupted and rose.
The district collector said officials have analysed that the well is an insulated well with reserves of 30 to 40 million tonnes estimated to be available in the underground layer. ONGC officials advised that no one should be living within a one kilometre radius and accordingly, the district administration evacuated the people of nearby villages.
He said holidays have been declared for two schools. The flames are erupting from the well to a height of approximately 20 metres and a width of 25 metres. The water supply has been arranged from the main irrigation canal, located 200 metres away, to control the flames.
Mahesh Kumar said the ONGC officials have analysed the blowout situation in the area and they are preparing the necessary equipment to contain the spread of the fire. They also stated that the government is ready to provide all necessary assistance, and that controlling the blowout gas fire from the well is expected within the next 24 hours.
The district collector said the drilling site was previously explored by ONGC and later abandoned. He said that to explore for resources and test gas reserves, since drilling was already completed, they specifically went to a slightly deeper depth (2.7 km) on Monday and conducted perforation operations. This is called a workover rig.
Meanwhile, Konaseema district in-charge minister and agriculture minister K. Atchannaidu instructed officials to take measures to ensure that local people do not face any difficulties. He said the officials should take steps to prevent inhalation of the gas, provide masks to the people and ensure all facilities for their rehabilitation.
