(a) the details of places in Andhra Pradesh where oil and natural gas reserves have been found during the last three years; and
(b) the steps taken to make further exploration in the State to achieve self-reliance in the field of oil and natural gas?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a): During the last three years i.e. 1997-98 to 1999-2000, oil and natural gas have been found in five new prospects in the State of Andhra Pradesh, viz. Magatapalle, Gokarnapuram, Kesavadasupalaem, Laxmaneswaram and Sirikattapalle.
(b): Major steps taken to increase the degree of self-reliance in oil and natural gas through exploration efforts in the country, including the State of Andhra Pradesh, are as follows:
(i) Implementation of the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). In the first round 25 blocks were awarded and Production Sharing Contracts for 22 blocks including 7 deep water blocks, were signed in a time bound manner.
(ii) Intensification of efforts by National Oil Companies (NOCs)in the existing basins and also in unexplored areas, including deep waters of East and West Coast.
(iii) Encouragement of the participation of private/joint venture companies in exploration activities.
(iv) Targetting of alternate hydrocarbon resources, i.e. Coal Bed Methane (CBM) and Gas hydrates, through measures like recent award by Government of a block in Raniganj area in West Bengal to a private company for exploration and production of CBM.