(a) whether there is any proposal to conduct aerial survey for exploration of oil and gas reserves in the country particularly Bihar with the help of State-of-the-art technique;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the time by which the survey is likely to be undertaken; and
(d) the estimated funds to be incurred on the said work?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a) to (d) Yes, Sir. Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) has planned to carry out aeromagnetic survey in the area of Himalayan foreland in the States of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and North Eastern (NE) States. Till date, about 25,000 Line Kilometres (LKM) has been covered so far. Remaining 75,000 LKM will be carried out in above States by 2007-08. Estimated cost to carry out above survey is Rs.12 crores.
One exploration block GV-ONN-2002/1 was awarded to M/s Cairn Energy (Pty.) Ltd. under 4th round of NELP in the State of Bihar. Operator proposes to carry out aeromagnetic survey in this block.