GAIL to start gas exploration in Tripura

Agartala, Jun 21: Besides, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation of India(ONGC), Gas Authority of India(GAIL) is all set to start deep drilling of natural gas in Baramura Rang in west Tripura.

Talking to media persons here today Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) of GAIL Dr U D Choubey said the exploration is expected to begin after the monsoon and preliminary study to assess the feasibility of natural gas has already been done.

''Possibility of gas discovery is very high at Teliamura as indicated in the survey report,'' he said, adding that the GAIL has already floated bids for seeking heavy equipments for drilling.

GAIL will start exploration at Teliamura as only one block was given to it but the company considered Teliamura block is one of the most potential sites, Dr Choubey said, adding that they are contemplation for setting up a chemical hub in Tripura.

He has also discussed the matter of setting up chemical hub in Baramura Range with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar yesterday, as Tripura government had sent the proposal to centre long back.

According to GAIL officials, about five million cubic meter gases can be supplied from the Teliamura block in a day if two rigs are used for deep drilling.

The Ministry of Petroleum had allowed GAIL to carry out deep drilling in a few locations of the county under new exploration and licensing policy last year but GAIL was failed to start exploration in Tripura in time, which enraged the state government too.

UNI