(a) the estimated potential of gas hydrates available in the Indian Ocean which can be extracted at present;
(b) the time by which it is expected to tap the potential of gas hydrates;
(c) whether the Government propose to take up a new project of exploration and Technology Development for extraction of Gas Hydrates from Indian Ocean; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS AND THE MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) & (b) : The exploration of gas hydrates in India is in the preliminary Research and Development (R&D) stage and hence it is too early to assess the potential of gas hydrates. Also no time limit can be prescribed in such matters.
(c ) & (d): The National Gas Hydrates Programme (NGHP) has been formulated in order to keep abreast with the technological developments with the ultimate objective to harness Gas Hydrates.