Question : EXPLORATORY WELLS IN MAHANADI PLATUE ORISSA

(a): whether there is any proposal to extend the exploratory wells in Mahanadi platue and the shore of Bay of Bengal during 2002-03;

(b): if so, the number of such exploratory wells proposed to be taken up during the said year;

(c): whether there is any indication of Gas hit in this area of the State;

(d): whether it is a fact that even if the exploration well fails for three/four times, the exploration continues, while in Orissa it is stopped after the first experiment of failure;

(e): if so, whether the same pattern of exploration is proposed to be followed in Orissa also;

(f): if not, the reasons therefor; and

(g): the steps taken to ensure uniformity in this regard?

Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar)

(a) to (g): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (g) of the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3985 for 18.4.2002 regarding Exploratory wells in Mahanadi Platue, Orissa


(a) & (b): Eight blocks have been awarded to various public sector and private sector oil companies in the onshore and offshore areas of Mahanadi basin and adjoining offshore North-East coast area in the first and second rounds of offer under New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP-I & II). Exploration works are being taken up in these blocks by the companies as per the work programmes of the signed Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs). During 2002-03 minimum of one exploratory well is proposed to be drilled in the offshore block NEC-OSN-97/2.

(c): No, Sir.

(d) to (g): Oil India Ltd. (OIL) has drilled 15 exploratory wells (4 in Mahanadi onshore, 7 in Mahanadi offshore and 4 in North-East Coast offshore) during 1981 to 1988 but no commercial hydrocarbon discovery was made. However, the decision of drilling of well(s) is taken up on geological considerations in all the areas, including the sedimentary areas in Orissa. Exploratory efforts by various companies in Orissa are continuing therefore on geological considerations, inspite of the initial failure of OIL.