Gogoi warns ONGC to leave Assam if flood relief commitments are not met

NAZIRA, August 21, 2026 — Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi on Thursday held a meeting with senior officials of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), Assam Asset, at its headquarters in Nazira, seeking urgent assistance for people affected by the catastrophic Dikhow River floods of July 19.

Gogoi met ONGC Assam Asset Executive Director and Asset Manager Uday Paswan and senior officials from various departments. He placed a five-point set of demands for flood-affected families in the Sivasagar, Nazira and Sonari constituencies, besides affected areas of Jorhat district.

The demands include ₹50 crore for improving Sivasagar town’s drainage system, removal of garbage and debris from flood-hit areas of Sivasagar, Nazira, Sonari and Jorhat, and the supply of iron pipes to rebuild iron bridges washed away or damaged in Sivasagar district.

Gogoi also sought the phased construction of community halls, including namghars and public halls, in flood-affected villages, besides beds, mattresses and other essential items for around 10,000 flood-affected people in the Sivasagar constituency.

ONGC officials reportedly assured Gogoi that the corporation would take steps to implement all five demands.

‘ONGC will have to leave Assam’

Speaking to journalists outside the main entrance of the ONGC Assam Asset residential area after the meeting, Gogoi warned the corporation against failing to honour its commitments.

Media personnel were reportedly not allowed inside the premises during the meeting.

Responding to questions about previous assurances by ONGC that were allegedly not followed through, Gogoi said the corporation would face strong opposition if it failed to act on Thursday’s commitments.

“If ONGC fails to fulfil these commitments, ONGC will have to leave Assam,” Gogoi warned.

The statement came as demands grow for greater corporate support for communities affected by the July floods, which caused widespread damage across parts of Upper Assam.