| Detail | Information |
| Incident | Gas leak from a pipeline in Ambikagiri Nagar, Guwahati |
| Date | January 7, 2025 |
| Reporting Agency | Purba Bharati Gas Pvt. Ltd. (PBG) |
| Cause | Minor leakage detected during pneumatic pressure testing of MDPE pipelines |
| Gas Type | Normal air (non-toxic and environmentally safe) |
| Company Statement | Emphasized commitment to safety, apologized for inconvenience, and assured public of no threat |
| Emergency Response | Fire tenders and Geetanagar police responded, but lacked immediate solutions |
| Local Frustrations | Residents raised concerns over lack of departmental urgency and use of makeshift fixes |
| Pipeline Project | Part of a larger gas distribution network by PBG; operations set to begin in February 2025 |
| Affected Area | Ambikagiri Nagar, with future service planned for Noonmati residents |
| Remaining Project Work | 2-3 kilometers of pipeline from Panikhaiti to Noonmati yet to be completed |
| Company CEO | Manoj Kumar Baruah |
Incident Overview
On night of January 7, 2025, panic gripped residents of Ambikagiri Nagar in Guwahati following detection of a gas leak in a pipeline being tested by Purba Bharati Gas Pvt. Ltd. (PBG). incident raised serious concerns among local population about potential for a disaster. Responding promptly, PBG issued a statement to clarify situation and assure residents of their commitment to safety standards. company stressed that leak involved normal air used in routine testing, posing no risk to health or environment.
event unfolded during PBG’s pneumatic pressure testing of Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) pipelines, a standard industry practice aimed at ensuring durability and reliability of gas distribution infrastructure before introducing natural gas. According to PBG’s official communication, testing revealed a minor leakage, which was immediately addressed by their technical team.
Company’s Assurance
In a detailed statement, Purba Bharati Gas Pvt. Ltd. emphasized its dedication to maintaining highest safety standards. “As part of our stringent quality assurance process, we have been conducting pneumatic pressure tests on our newly laid MDPE pipelines using normal air. On January 7, 2025, during pressure-hold phase of our routine testing in Ambikagiri Nagar, Guwahati, a minor leakage was detected in pipeline under test. We wish to reassure public that substance involved in this incident is normal air, that poses no threat to human health or environment,” statement read.
company also highlighted that such testing is a global best practice designed to identify potential vulnerabilities in pipeline system. This step ensures long-term safety and operational reliability of gas distribution network. Acknowledging concerns of local residents, PBG expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and assured improved communication protocols to keep public better informed about future testing activities.
Emergency Response
incident drew attention to preparedness and response mechanisms of local authorities. Fire tenders and Geetanagar police arrived promptly at scene but were unable to provide an immediate solution to issue. lack of a representative from responsible department on-site further fueled frustrations among residents. Instead, a departmental driver attempted a temporary fix by covering leaking pipeline with polythene and bamboo strips, a measure that offered little reassurance.
Residents expressed their dissatisfaction with handling of situation, questioning apparent lack of urgency and professionalism. “use of makeshift materials to address a potentially dangerous situation was alarming,” said a local resident.
Context of Pipeline Project
affected pipeline is part of PBG’s ambitious city gas distribution project aimed at transforming energy landscape of Guwahati and its surrounding areas. CEO Manoj Kumar Baruah revealed that pipeline network, set to begin operations in February 2025, will initially serve approximately 10,000 residents in Noonmati area. larger distribution system connects to main pipeline running from Barauni to Panikhaiti, with a critical 2-3 kilometer stretch between Panikhaiti and Noonmati still under construction.
PBG’s vision for project includes ensuring a reliable and environmentally sustainable energy supply to region. company has outlined rigorous safety measures as part of its project execution strategy, including high-quality materials, advanced technology, and regular testing protocols.
Local Frustrations
Despite PBG’s reassurances, incident has left many residents skeptical. Questions about quality of pipeline infrastructure and company’s communication with public remain unresolved. Local voices have also criticized apparent lack of coordination between PBG and emergency response teams, pointing to absence of a structured plan to manage such situations effectively.
“While we appreciate that substance involved was not harmful, company and authorities must realize psychological impact such incidents have on people. It’s a matter of trust and accountability,” remarked another resident.
Upcoming Developments
As PBG prepares to commence operations, it faces dual challenge of completing pending pipeline work and rebuilding public confidence. CEO Manoj Kumar Baruah has assured stakeholders of company’s commitment to safety and operational excellence. company has also pledged to enhance its engagement with local communities to address their concerns proactively.
In aftermath of incident, PBG has taken steps to review its protocols and improve transparency. Regular updates on project progress, community awareness programs, and closer collaboration with local authorities are among measures being considered.
Broader Implications
gas leak in Ambikagiri Nagar serves as a reminder of complexities involved in urban infrastructure projects. While such initiatives hold immense potential for regional development, they also demand meticulous planning, stringent safety measures, and effective crisis management strategies. incident underscores need for companies like PBG to adopt a holistic approach that prioritizes community well-being alongside operational objectives.
For Guwahati, city gas distribution project represents a significant step toward modernizing its energy supply and reducing reliance on traditional fuels. However, incidents like this highlight importance of fostering public trust through consistent communication and reliable safety practices.
Conclusion
gas leak in Guwahati’s Ambikagiri Nagar has brought to light both challenges and opportunities associated with large-scale urban infrastructure projects. While Purba Bharati Gas Pvt. Ltd.’s swift response and transparent communication have helped alleviate immediate concerns, company must continue to engage with community and address lingering doubts to ensure success of its ambitious project. As operations gear up for launch in February 2025, all eyes will be on PBG to see how it navigates complexities of safety, reliability, and public trust.
Disclaimer
information in this article is based on public statements and reports related to incident. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details with concerned authorities for most reliable and updated information.
