Logic behind oil exploration

Global demands for oil and gas continues to rise and the vast reserves are likely to be exhausted since significant reserves have not been discovered. Based on 2015 data, the current reserves are expected to be emptied in the following periods: Oil (petroleum) will be exhausted in 51 years; coal will be exhausted in 114 years and natural gas will get exhausted in 53 years. This aspect assumes critical importance for Nagaland where only 11% of the area was explored where huge oil and coal reserves were estimated while nearly 90% remain unexplored . In 1973, the Nagaland government gave the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation a permit to explore oil and draw a limited amount on a trial basis. But in 1981, it started full-scale extraction in the villages of Changpang and Old Tssori. Oil operations by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited(ONGCL) were stopped in 1994 under pressure from organisations who deemed that oil and gas are intertwined with the Naga political issue. Somehow in 2010 the state government, having apparently resolved the ban with those involved, passed a resolution on July 26,2010 rendering inter alia all Acts of Parliament governing petroleum and natural gas inapplicable to the State of Nagaland. Then in 2012 the state passed the Nagaland Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulation 2012 for oil exploration and extraction. However, this hit a roadblock when the UPA government reiterated that under Entry 53 of List I, only Parliament has power to make legislation for regulation and development of oil fields, mineral oil resources etc. Despite this, Nagaland went ahead in 2013 and invited bids for 11 exploration blocks in the state without involving the petroleum ministry. The NPNG became redundant and things changed when in the early part of 2023 the government the window for oil exploration opened when the centre assented to the proposal for both Assam and Nagaland for possible joint efforts to explore oil in the disputed areas. Development of renewable energy sources from- Biomass, Wood and wood waste; Municipal solid waste; Biofuels;Hydropower;Geothermal;Wind & Solar have become urgent. In such a situation, there is need for urgent decision for oil and gas exploration in Nagaland. In a joint statement eight engineers employed in premier oil and gas exploration and production company have emphasised on the need for exploration since Nagaland is rated to be very promising and prospective for hydrocarbon resource under Naga-Schuppen Belt. This makes it the kitchen of hydrocarbon resources feeding major oil and gas producing fields of neighbouring states. Exploration will ascertain how much oil Nagaland has over and above the presumed more than 600 million tonnes. Oil exploration will not mean extraction and production. It is only a primary step which will bring in several hundred crore rupees in the form of employing labour and also employment of the local people. Along with it, oil companies will also provide many other facilities under CSR for the local people. Of course, the state government will also benefit through revenue from the oil exploration companies such as ONGCL etc over a period of 20 to 30 years. If Nagaland is to move ahead, this matter has to be addressed. With oil and gas revenue, Nagaland can be transformed and which will ensure peace and prosperity for all, in real terms and the state cannot afford to be grounded indefinitely.