(a) the present status of the oil exploration operation being carried out in
Mahanadi basin of Oil India Limited;
(b) whether the OIL has decided to close down its work in the basin;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the possible effect on the workers engaged for this purpose?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a) Oil India Limited (OIL) is carrying out exploration of oil and gas in the on
land block MN-ONN-2000/1 in Mahanadi basin. OIL has already completed
acquisition, processing and interpretation of 463.68 GLKM of 2-D seismic data.
Based on this, OIL has identified one location for drilling.
In addition, OIL is a partner in one offshore block in Mahanadi basin namely
MN-OSN-2000/2, where ONGC, the operator for the block, has acquired 1001
GLKM of 2-D and 625 sq km of 3-D seismic data. Drilling of one well has been
completed and second well is under drilling.
(b) OIL has not decided to close down its work in the basin.
(c) & (d) Do not apply in view of (b) above.