(TT)
State-owned explorer ONGC Ltd has got an environmental clearance to drill five wells for shale gas and oil in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin at an estimated cost of Rs 217 crore. ONGC had proposed further exploration of shale gas and oil in the KG basin and was examined by the environment ministry.
“The proposal was first vetted by the expert appraisal committee. Based on its recommendation, the environment ministry has given the final environment clearance to ONGC for exploratory drilling of five wells in the KG basin,” a senior government official said. The approval has been given subject to certain conditions.
According to the proposal, ONGC plans to drill wells in the onland blocks in West Godavari, Bantumilli extension, Suryaraopeta, Mahadevapatnam and Mandapeta in Krishna, West Godavari and East Godavari districts to assess the potential of shale.
