(a) whether the Government is aware that the exploration of inflammable gas in the volcanoes in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is on for several years in the past;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any steps have been taken by the Government to disposal the sense of fear in the public
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the time by which the production of gas is likely to begin at this site for commercial purposes?
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS AND PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR)
(a) to (e) Since its inception, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC) has been carrying out exploration for hydrocarbons in the State of Himachal Pradesh, including Jwalamukhi area, through geo-scientific survey and drilling. As on 1-4-2004, a total of 3,899 Ground Line Kilometers (GLK) of 2-D seismic survey has been carried out by ONGC in Himachal Pradesh. Eleven exploratory wells were drilled in the State, of which five wells were drilled in Jwalamukhi structure. One well was drilled in Balh structure. The wells, JMI-1 and Balh-1 showed presence of minor gas and JMI-6 had gas indication. All other wells are devoid of hydrocarbons. On 10-7-2002, one of the wells, JMI-B drilled earlier, was reported to have become active leaking minor gas and water. ONGC officials thereafter took measures to cap the well and currently there is no activity. Nevertheless, the well has been kept under observation and the area continues to be cordoned off with ‘round the clock’ security.
At present, ONGC is carrying out exploration in Kangra-Mandi area awarded on nomination basis and in HF-ONN-2001/1 block awarded under the third round of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) in Himachal Pradesh. The feasibility of production of gas can only be assessed after a discovery and establishment of commercial quantity of gas reserves in the area.