(a) the updated status of sedimentary basins of oil still remaining under-explored in the country; and
(b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to increase exploration activity in these basins?
(a) the updated status of sedimentary basins of oil still remaining under-explored in the country; and
(b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to increase exploration activity in these basins?
MINISTER IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
(SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) India has 26 sedimentary basins covering an area of 3.36 million square kilometers. Crude oil & natural gas production is taking place from 7 sedimentary basins. In 5 basins, petroleum resources have been established but are yet to produce commercially. The remaining 14 basins have prospective resources which are to be explored. At present only 48% of the sedimentary basinal areas have been appraised.
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(b) The major policy initiatives taken by the Government to increase exploration activities in under explored basins include:
(i) National Seismic Program(NSP), 2016 - NSP was launched on 12 October 2016 to conduct 2D seismic survey for data acquisition, processing and interpretation of 48,243 Line Kilo Metres(LKM).
(ii) National Data Repository was launched on 28 June 2017 to supplement Open Acreages Licensing Policy (OALP) under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, 2016 (HELP).
(iii) Under OALP Bid Round I, 55 blocks having area of 59,282 sq.Km. have been awarded on 1st October, 2018.
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