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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 13/06/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (13-06-2025).

📝 Mains Question:

Q. India’s push for energy security must not come at the cost of environmental and human safety. In light of the recent Sivasagar ONGC gas well blowout, critically examine the need for better industrial safety in the hydrocarbon sector, especially in Assam.

📘 Model Answer

Introduction

India’s northeastern region, especially Assam, plays a pivotal role in the country’s hydrocarbon output. Yet, recurrent incidents like the 2025 ONGC blowout in Sivasagar and the infamous Baghjan disaster (2020) underscore systemic gaps in industrial safety, regulation, and environmental oversight. These raise serious concerns over the balance between energy security and ecological-social responsibility.

Energy Importance of Assam

Assam is one of India’s oldest and most active oil-producing states (e.g., Digboi, Sivasagar, Duliajan).
Contributes significantly to domestic crude production and natural gas reserves.
Hosts key PSUs like ONGC and Oil India Limited, and refineries at Digboi, Numaligarh, and Bongaigaon.

Recent Blowout in Sivasagar (June 2025): Key Issues

Concern	Observation
Safety Lapses	Uncontrolled gas discharge during a well servicing operation
Operator Oversight	Incident occurred under private contractor supervision
Emergency Preparedness	Delayed response and weak public communication
Environmental Risk	Threat to air, groundwater, and local ecosystems
Public Anxiety	Evacuation of nearby villagers due to risk perception

Major Challenges in the Hydrocarbon Sector

1. Aging Infrastructure

Many wells in Assam are 30–50 years old, with obsolete equipment.

2. Lack of Real-Time Monitoring

Absence of early warning systems, blowout preventers, and gas leak detection.

3. Weak Regulatory Oversight

State Pollution Control Boards often under-resourced; PNGRB’s inspection is periodic and limited.

4. Contractor Risks

Increasing reliance on outsourced contractors dilutes accountability.

5. Inadequate Community Engagement

Locals often unaware of risks and excluded from mock drills or safety audits.

Lessons from Baghjan (2020) and Sivasagar (2025)

Need for multi-agency response, faster evacuation planning, and ecosystem restoration.
Judicial inquiry post-Baghjan emphasized need for third-party safety audits and transparency.

Way Forward

Domain	Action Plan
Regulatory Reform	Establish a State-level Industrial Safety Authority for Assam’s oilfields
Technology Upgrade	Mandatory automated BOPs, pressure control systems, and AI-based surveillance
Disaster Preparedness	Conduct quarterly drills, create buffer zones around wells
Transparent Governance	Publicly release incident reports, safety audit results, and compensation plans
Skill Development	Train local youth in energy safety operations under Skill India missions

Conclusion

Assam’s oil economy is vital, but its sustainability hinges on prioritizing safety, ecology, and public confidence. A robust framework that blends technology, accountability, and grassroots involvement is essential to prevent energy from becoming a liability. Future growth must be cleaner, safer, and more people-centric.

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