Major potential of natural gas oil in Punjab Minister Goyal

Chandigarh, Apr 27 (PTI) Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Monday asserted that after the discovery of prospects of potash, the state is moving towards exploration for natural gas and oil reserves.
     The remarks came after higher officials of the Director General of Hydrocarbon (DGH) under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India and Oil India Limited (OIL) called on the Punjab Mining and Geology Minister here, according to an official release.
     During the meeting, possibilities of hydrocarbon exploration in the state were discussed in detail.
     The minister was apprised by officials that as per directions of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, Oil India Ltd will undertake a 2D seismic survey to identify oil and gas reserves.
     The officials said a high-level scientific advisory committee of GoI has recommended extensive surveys in unexplored regions of the country for mineral wealth and petroleum resources.
     "The ministry has directed surveys across regions, including district Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Faridkot, Moga, Jalandhar and Kapurthala of Punjab and Barmer, Sanchore, Jaisalmer and Bikaner-Nagaur basins in Rajasthan, along with the Ganga basin and adjoining areas in Punjab.
     In Punjab sub basin, a large-scale 2D seismic survey covering approximately 169 line kilometre will be carried out. The current initiative has been named "Mission Anveshan", Ajai Sharma said.
     Goyal said the initiative will not only accelerate exploration activities but also help create a comprehensive geological data bank, thereby reducing India's dependence on foreign energy sources and opening new avenues of economic growth for states, including Punjab.
     The minister assured that the state government will extend full cooperation to ensure timely completion of the survey and will make every possible effort to harness natural resources for the overall development and prosperity of the state.
     He added that such initiatives will not only strengthen the energy sector but also create new employment opportunities and boost industrial growth in Punjab.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)