Konaseema Blowout Under Control, Villagers’ Lives Back to Normal; MLA Demands Compensation For The Affected
The intensity of the fire has since reduced, which has allowed personnel to approach within 10 metres of the well and undertake control operations.
Published : January 8, 2026 at 4:21 PM IST
Amalapuram: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector Mahesh Kumar said that the blowout that occurred in the district is now under control. He was addressing a press conference along with Rajolu MLA Deva Varaprasad and officials of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
The Collector said massive flames were witnessed when the blowout occurred on January 5. 2026. However, the intensity of the fire has since reduced, which has allowed personnel to approach within 10 metres of the well and undertake control operations.
He said the flames are expected to be completely extinguished and the well capped within the next four days. He added that normal life in villages surrounding the blowout site has not been affected. The district administration is also taking steps to provide compensation to those who suffered losses due to the blaze.
Rajolu MLA Deva Varaprasad said it was a terrifying situation when the blowout occurred. It forced residents of Irusumanda, Gubbalavaripalem, Lakkavaram and Chintalapalli villages to flee in panic. He alleged that there were inadequate water resources at the site initially to control the fire.
The MLA demanded that ONGC inform local officials and public representatives in advance about the number of additional wells it plans to bring into operation. He warned of protests and sought compensation and basic amenities for affected villagers. He further demanded the establishment of a Rs 25-crore multi-specialty hospital at Lakkavaram and the provision of free medical facilities.
ONGC responsible for safety
ONGC Director Vikram Saxena said that irrespective of whether operations at ONGC wells, on land, or offshore are carried out by ONGC or other agencies, the responsibility for safety rests with ONGC. He said the fire's intensity has reduced considerably and assured that the well would be fully brought under control and capped within a few days. Debris removal work is currently underway around the affected well.
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