Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu holds discussion with senior officials of OIL India Limited

GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday held discussions with the OIL India Limited (OIL).
OIL has 7 blocks of interest in Arunachal Pradesh mostly in the eastern parts, which also share boundaries with Assam. As parts of few of these blocks fall in reserve forest or wildlife sanctuaries, exploration in these parts are yet to start for want of requisite clearances.

Senior Oil India Limited (OIL) officials - Pranjit Deka, Resident Chief Executive, Indrajit Baruah met the chief minister where OIL officials explained in detail activities of the petroleum company in Arunachal Pradesh, its plans and proposals and issues wherein the state government’s cooperation was required.

In a official communique state government stated, “ It was informed that OIL has 7 blocks of interest in Arunachal Pradesh mostly in the eastern parts, which also share boundaries with Assam. As parts of few of these blocks fall in reserve forest or wildlife sanctuaries, exploration in these parts are yet to start for want of requisite clearances. While OIL’s Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) for the Namchik and Jairampur Extension blocks are still valid, PEL for the Demoali block is under process with the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.”

The officials requested early issuance of Forest Clearances (FC) for the identified blocks so that Environment Clearance can be obtained from the Central Ministry to begin survey and exploration. They said that with availability of fossil fuel in the region the Company is ready to enhance its production, which will subsequently increase the revenue generating capacity of the state government.

According to officials, OIL has paid about Rs 5 crores to the state government as royalty last financial year. With the increase in production levels, they said, this would shoot up in coming years.

Giving the status on the proposed cross-country pipeline project that would start from Kumchai (Kharsang) in Arunachal Pradesh to OILs Duliajan FGS in Assam, the officials said that a detail project report including soil survey and cadastral land survey will be submitted to the state government by 2nd week of October next.

The proposed cross country pipeline would cover a distance of 60 kms of which 18.85 kms will be within Arunachal territory.

The Chief Minister assured the OIL officials of all cooperation and support in their endeavors in Arunachal Pradesh. He said his office is always open to any coordination and support required by OIL while directing the concerned department to fast-track the issuance of forest clearances wherever needed.

“Geology and mining is a very important sector that has not drawn much attention of the government in the past. But today we are aware of its huge potential and we are opening up in a big way for exploration and tapping it for a better future of our people,” he said.