Oil & Natural Gas Exploration To Begin In Odisha’s Puri, 37 Landowners Compensated

Bhubaneswar: After a seismic survey found oil and natural gas reserves at two places in Gop block of Odisha’s Puri district, Oil India officials on Monday paid over Rs one crore to 37 landowners, whose land has been marked for oil exploration.

The research team found oil and natural gas on 8 acre in Kusupur gram panchayat and another patch of land in Chitra gram panchayat under Gop tehsil through satellite mapping. A six-member team of the company also visited Kusupur in April to discuss land acquisition plans with the farmers.

Lands have been taken on a three-year lease basis at the rate of Rs 51,000 for 101.17 square metres.

Oil India Manager BN Sahu told the media that lands are being taken on a lease basis for exploratory drilling. “Agreements were signed and the landowners were paid cheque for their land today in a camp,” he said.

Sahu further said that the exact location of the new spot could be ascertained after commercial exploitation. “Deep drilling will begin after six months to determine the quantum and quality of reserve,” he said.

Notably, the survey began in November 2000 in 8 coastal districts. “The data collected from other districts are being analysed in the lab,” he added.