(a) whether the Government are contemplating to resume the exploration of natural gases in Raniganj Coalfield area;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it will help to improve the sagging economy of the area; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) & (b) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has been granted Petroleum Exploration Licence(PEL) for exploration of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) in North Raniganj in West Bengal. ONGC has carried out preliminary geological field investigation and has spudded one slim hole.
Besides, the Govt. has approved the exploration and exploitation of CBM by M/s Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd. (GEECL) in South Raniganj against FIPB approval.
(c) & (d): CBM exploration and exploitation would contribute to general economic activity in the area.