ONGC Explores North Maharashtra Forests for Oil and Gas Reserves
India’s largest oil and gas producer, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), is preparing to explore potential petrol and gas reserves in the forested regions of North Maharashtra. The initiative is currently under review by the Maharashtra state government, prompting public debate and environmental scrutiny.
ONGC Exploration
ONGC has proposed seismic surveys—methods involving low-impact siesmic waves—to identify underground hydrocarbon deposits. While the surveys are preliminary, ONGC officials stress their potential role in meeting domestic energy demands and reducing import dependence. State authorities have received the company’s detailed project report and are assessing its compliance with environmental clearances and legal guidelines.
Forest and Environmental Concerns
The proposed survey area overlaps with ecologically sensitive forest zones that support critical wildlife, local water sources, and tribal communities. Environmental advocacy groups have raised red flags regarding the risk of impacts such as soil compacting, noise pollution, and habitat disruption. These groups are calling for thorough environmental impact assessments (EIAs), public hearings, and safeguards to ensure biodiversity is protected.
Regulatory Review
The Maharashtra government is expected to engage multiple agencies—forest, revenue, and environment departments—to examine the proposal. A key part of the process includes determining whether potential benefits outweigh risks, and what mitigation measures (like limited survey footprints and restoration plans) are required. A timeline has not yet been announced.
Local Community Engagement
While benefits such as job creation and local infrastructure improvements are possible outcomes of the project, several local residents and activists have demanded a Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process. They advocate for transparent dialogue and equitable compensation where surveys may disrupt existing land use.
Strategic Energy Aim
ONGC’s broader goal is to tap unconventional deposits and diversify domestic energy sources. Success in North Maharashtra could reduce the import burden of petrol and natural gas. However, achieving this while preserving ecological balance remains a central challenge.
Way Forward
Public hearings, legal clearances, and robust mitigation planning will determine the project’s fate. The Maharashtra state government’s review committee may also require independent expert evaluations before making a final decision.
