Crude Oil Reserves Discovered on Freedom Fighter’s Land in Uttar Pradesh
A significant discovery of crude oil reserves has been made in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, on land owned by the family of freedom fighter Chittu Pandey. This find follows a three-month survey in the Ganga basin, which identified oil deposits at a depth of 3,000 meters.
Exploration and Economic Implications
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has leased approximately six-and-a-half acres from Pandey’s family for three years, with an annual payment of ₹10 lakh. Drilling operations are underway, with expectations to reach the oil reserves by the end of April. If successful, ONGC plans to expand exploration to other sites along the Ganga basin, potentially boosting the regional economy and increasing land values.
Historical Significance
The drilling site is near Sagarpali village, close to Vaina Rattu Chak, the ancestral home of Chittu Pandey, who was a prominent figure in the Quit India Movement. This discovery not only holds economic promise but also adds a layer of historical importance to the region.
Potential Impact
Should the exploration yield commercial quantities of oil, it could lead to substantial economic benefits for local farmers and contribute to India’s energy resources. The development underscores the untapped potential of regions along the Ganga riverbank.
