Major Oil Discovery on Freedom Fighter Chittu Pandey’s Land
Ballia, Uttar Pradesh: In a major breakthrough, a significant crude oil reserve has been discovered in the Ganga basin, on land owned by the family of renowned freedom fighter Chittu Pandey. The discovery follows an extensive three-month survey conducted by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), revealing substantial oil deposits at a depth of 3,000 meters.
ONGC Leases Land for Oil Extraction
To facilitate the extraction, ONGC has leased a 6.5-acre plot from the Pandey family for a period of three years, agreeing to pay ₹10 lakh annually as compensation. The project aims to tap into the newly discovered reserves, marking a significant step in India's efforts to boost domestic oil production.
Drilling Operations and Expected Completion
According to ONGC officials, drilling has already commenced, with an estimated depth of 3,001 meters required to access the crude oil reserves. The excavation process demands a substantial water supply of 25,000 liters per day, ensuring smooth drilling operations. Given the pace of progress, the project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025.
Economic and Strategic Importance
This discovery is expected to have major economic and strategic implications, potentially reducing India's dependency on crude oil imports. If extraction proves commercially viable, it could open doors for further exploration in the Ganga basin, transforming Ballia into a key player in India's energy sector.
ONGC officials have stated that additional testing and feasibility studies will be conducted post-drilling to determine the quality and quantity of crude oil deposits, which will influence future extraction plans.
Government's Response and Future Prospects
The discovery has attracted the attention of both state and central governments, with experts evaluating its long-term impact. If found viable, the project could lead to job creation, infrastructure development, and economic growth in the region.
With Ballia now emerging as a potential oil-producing region, ONGC is expected to expand its exploration activities in nearby areas to assess further reserves. The discovery marks a promising step toward India's energy self-sufficiency, aligning with the government's vision of reducing crude oil imports and strengthening domestic production.
