(a) whether there are vast resources of minerals, oil and Natural Gas in the sea;
(b) if so, the status of India in this regard; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken to explore these resources?
(a) whether there are vast resources of minerals, oil and Natural Gas in the sea;
(b) if so, the status of India in this regard; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken to explore these resources?
MINISTER OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT
(DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI)
(a) Mineral, oil and Natural Gas has been identified on the sea bed and sub soil of the submarine areas, off shore of India.
(b) & (c) The major steps by the Government presently relate to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Sector. In this sector, Government has taken the steps by the way of surveys drilling, exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in the areas within Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Survey are also periodically undertaken to identify mineral deposits. Till date, various deposits including heavy mineral sands, high grade lime deposits and phosphatised sediments and macro manganese nodules have been identified off the coastal areas.