On Monday, 16 November 2020, the Assam oil well fire was finally extinguished after five months of constant flames and smoke. That day marked the end of a multinational effort to extinguish the Baghjan blazes which commenced in June earlier this year following an explosion at an oil-drilling site in the area.

On 27 May 2020, large quantities of crude oil and gas were released into the atmosphere in the Indian village of Baghjan, a consequence of malfunctions in pressure control systems. What started as a gas leak quickly devolved into an explosion on 9 June, costing the lives of two firefighters. Oil India Limited, the company responsible for the leak, noted that even in June, the pressure control systems were uncontrollable. Even a fortnight after the explosion, gas was still being released into the air.

As a result of the incident, the National Disaster Response Force, along with international experts from the United States, Canada and Singapore, were called in. Water was continuously pumped into the well for several months to prevent it from catching fire. An expert panel consisting of former Judges, government officials and academics acknowledged that there was a “deficiency in proper planning.” They also noted that Oil India did not even have the proper consent to operate in the region. After the fire was contained, the oil company tweeted, “Baghjan blowout well successfully killed.”

Surrounding areas have experienced significant environmental impacts as a result of the blaze. For the human population, the continuing smoke and polluted air pose health risks to vulnerable communities, especially to individuals with asthma or those experiencing respiratory illnesses. Toxic fumes and chemicals also spread through soil and undergrowth, meaning future plants and animals are at risk of containing high quantities of impure substances. Humans who later consume said products are therefore at risk of inhaling dangerous chemicals for decades to come.

For the local environment, the damage to water systems has also been devastating. The village of Baghjan is situated near the Maguri Beel wetlands, an area populated with rare wildlife and aquatic species. Following the 6 June explosion, critically endangered species of river dolphins have been found dead in nearby areas, in addition to several endangered birds and fish. Villagers who are dependent on river sources for fresh water and food have also reported livestock dying after consuming water from the local rivers.

Environmental threats relate directly to the health security of local communities. When large corporations shirk responsibility and risk the safety of individuals, they must be held accountable. Significant losses have been incurred on vulnerable populations, including loss of homes, long-term food instability and substantial water contamination. Irrespective of the statements put forward by Oil India, it is clear that the infrastructure of oil and gas projects must be strengthened to prevent future incidents from occurring. As of now, little has been done as the Baghjan community return to their homes to rebuild.