Panic gripped Pasarlapudi Lanka village in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district after a natural gas leak occurred at an ONGC drilling site on the evening of July 9. The leak was reported from Rig No. 2000-3 around 7:45 p.m., while drilling operations were underway at a depth of 2,866 metres.
Locals quickly alerted authorities, prompting swift action from district officials who immediately rushed to the site and ordered ONGC to halt all drilling activity.
At a joint press briefing held on July 10, Amalapuram Revenue Divisional Officer K. Madhavil revealed that the well had been under continuous drilling for 77 days. “The leak occurred just 46 metres short of completing the drilling phase,” he stated.
ONGC official M. Raghu Menon assured the public that the situation is fully under control. “The leak has been safely plugged. There is no cause for alarm. Drilling has been temporarily stopped and will resume only after further coordination with district officials,” he said.
The incident sparked temporary concern among residents, but quick containment measures helped avoid any escalation. ONGC and local authorities continue to monitor the site closely.