Sivasagar, June 18: In Barichuk, a locality in Bhatiapar village, Sivasagar district, locals are voicing their dissatisfaction regarding the distribution of a one-time financial aid of Rs 25,000 from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, which is intended to assist those affected by the ongoing gas leak crisis.

On Tuesday evening, a group of villagers confronted the Block Development Officer (BDO) at Gaurisagar, demanding to know why 16 to 17 families from Bhatiapar were omitted from the beneficiary list.

An elderly villager expressed frustration to the media, stating, “The gas leak originated on my property, yet I have not received any compensation. We all reside in Bhatiapar proper, but we have been excluded without any justification.”

Other community members shared similar concerns, noting that while adjacent areas received financial support, numerous households in Bhatiapar were overlooked.

Some residents alleged that multiple individuals from the same family had received compensation, while many others were disregarded.

“When we approached our ward member, Barnali Gogoi, with our documents, she declined to accept them, claiming the beneficiary list was compiled by the village headman and a mandal officer,” a local stated.

Frustration was also directed at the village headman, with residents noting, “It has been six days since the gas leak began, and we were relocated to relief camps, yet the gaon bura has not visited us or checked on our well-being,” remarked another villager.

While they have no issue with others receiving assistance, the residents are insisting that their names be added to the list, given their direct suffering from the gas leak.

“If this issue is not resolved promptly, we will have no option but to escalate our concerns to the District Commissioner,” one resident warned.

In the meantime, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is working to manage the gas leak, which has now entered its seventh day.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, the Executive Director of ONGC's Assam Asset announced that into the matter, which Bhaskar Choudhury characterized as a "rare geological phenomenon".

Choudhury reaffirmed the corporation's unwavering commitment to addressing the ongoing leak and supporting rehabilitation efforts.

On the same day, the Chief Minister declared immediate financial assistance of Rs 25,000 for each family impacted by the gas leak in Bhatiapar village, Sivasagar.