NewKerala.com

India's Energy Revolution: 7 Basins Targeted in Massive Oil Hunt

India is accelerating its energy exploration efforts across seven major sedimentary basins. The government has launched Mission Anveshan, one of the largest seismic mapping programs in the country's history. Significant policy reforms have cleared 99% of previous 'No-Go' areas for offshore exploration. This initiative represents a major push toward energy self-sufficiency with substantial global investment interest.

Key Points: India Expands Oil Gas Exploration in 7 Sedimentary Basins

  • Mission Anveshan targets 20,000 km seismic surveys with Rs 792 crore investment
  • 99% of 'No-Go' areas cleared for offshore exploration
  • OALP Round X offers 25 blocks with global investor interest
  • 14 new oil and gas discoveries already made across active blocks
  • ONGC currently producing 34,000 barrels of oil daily from operations
2 min read

Oil and gas hunt stepped up in 7 sedimentary basins across India: Hardeep Puri

Union Minister Hardeep Puri announces Mission Anveshan, India's largest seismic mapping program targeting 20,000 km surveys across seven sedimentary basins for oil and gas exploration.

"From the sands of Rajasthan to the sea depths of the KG Basin -- Bharat is mapping its own energy future - Hardeep Singh Puri"

New Delhi, Nov 4

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday that India’s energy journey is entering a new era as seven sedimentary basins are under study with advanced technology for the exploration of oil and gas across the country.

“Mission Anveshan, one of the largest seismic mapping programmes for oil and gas in India’s history, has been launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. The Rs 792 crore programme launched in Oct 2024 is targeting 20,000 ground line kilometres (GLK) of seismic surveys of which over 8,000 GLK has already been surveyed,” the minister said.

“From the sands of Rajasthan to the sea depths of the KG Basin -- Bharat is mapping its own energy future,” the minister remarked.

While 1 million square km offshore area is now open for oilfield exploration, 99 per cent of 'No-Go' areas have been cleared, he said.

The oil and gas blocks being offered under the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) have already garnered attention from global and domestic energy players, and Round X is expected to set new benchmarks for participation and investment.

He earlier highlighted that “25 blocks have been marked under OALP-X; 154 exploration blocks are active; 14 new oil and gas discoveries; ONGC producing 34,000 BOPD oil and 3 MMSCMD gas."

The Petroleum Ministry recently invited feedback and suggestions on Draft Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, Model Revenue Sharing Contract (MRSC) and Petroleum Lease as part of the country's focus to accelerate oil and gas. These are a series of pathbreaking policy reforms that are being implemented to promote exploration and production in the oil and gas sector.

The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948, was amended in March 2025, and new PNG rules have come within three months in the run-up to OALP Round X, which is the largest such exploration and production bidding round globally.

This is a great time for entrepreneurs and industry leaders to look at oil and gas exploration in India. It has never been easier, faster, or more profitable to invest in India’s energy future, according to Puri.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative but I hope environmental safeguards are in place. We need to balance energy needs with protecting our ecosystems. The 99% clearance of 'No-Go' areas makes me a bit concerned.
A
Arjun K
Finally some concrete action! 14 new discoveries and ONGC producing 34,000 barrels per day - these numbers are encouraging. Hope this translates to lower fuel prices for common people.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the energy sector, I appreciate the policy reforms. The faster approvals and clearer regulations will definitely attract more international investment. Good move!
V
Vikram M
While this is promising, I hope local communities benefit from these projects. Often big energy projects don't create enough local employment. Need inclusive growth approach.
M
Michael C
The scale of this project is impressive - 20,000 GLK seismic surveys! This could be a game-changer for India's energy security. Hope the execution matches the ambition.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50