Hyderabad: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is set to invest ₹8,110 crore in one of its largest onshore oil and gas exploration projects in Andhra Pradesh. The ambitious plan involves drilling 172 wells across eight Production Mining License (PML) blocks, following the recommendation for Environmental Clearance (EC) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Environmental Clearance Approved
A high-level committee under the MoEFCC granted its nod during a recent meeting, enabling ONGC to move forward with its development and production activities. The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), which reviewed the proposal, noted that the project would be implemented with strict adherence to environmental protection norms.
According to the EAC minutes, “The estimated project cost is ₹8,110 crore. Capital cost of the Environment Management Plan (EMP) would be ₹172 crore, and the recurring cost for EMP would be ₹91.16 crore per annum. Additionally, the industry proposes to allocate ₹11 crore for commitments made during the Public Hearing.”
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Strict Environmental and Safety Measures
The EAC emphasized that ONGC must follow all environmental safeguards and risk mitigation strategies outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environment Management Plan (EMP) documents. These include detailed measures to minimize ecological impact, ensure waste management, and mitigate potential risks during drilling operations.
“All the recommendations made in the EIA/EMP in respect of environmental management, and risk mitigation measures relating to the project shall be implemented,” the committee stated.
Protection of Eco-sensitive Areas
To safeguard biodiversity and sensitive habitats, the EAC imposed key location-based restrictions. ONGC has committed not to drill any wells within a 10-kilometre radius of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, an eco-sensitive zone located in the vicinity of the project area. This is in accordance with the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued in May this year.
Further, the committee directed that no pipelines or related infrastructure should pass through forest land or protected areas without obtaining prior clearance from the competent authorities.
Significant Boost for Andhra Pradesh’s Energy Sector
With the environmental clearance now recommended, ONGC’s project marks a substantial expansion of onshore hydrocarbon exploration in Andhra Pradesh. The development is expected to enhance regional energy production, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the state’s economic growth — all while maintaining strong environmental oversight.
About ONGC
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is India’s premier oil and gas exploration and production company, operating under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. As a public sector undertaking, ONGC plays a pivotal role in ensuring the country’s energy security. With operations spanning both onshore and offshore assets, the company continues to lead in exploration, development, and sustainable resource management across the country.
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