Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is set to invest ₹8,110 crore in the development and production of oil and gas from 172 onshore wells across eight Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) blocks in Andhra Pradesh. The large-scale project is part of ONGC’s broader strategy to enhance domestic energy production, strengthen India’s exploration capabilities, and upgrade supporting infrastructure.
Environmental Clearance Paves the Way for Project Execution
The project has received a favourable recommendation for Environmental Clearance (EC) from the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The committee reviewed ONGC’s proposal at its meeting last month and endorsed the plan, subject to strict adherence to environmental norms and safeguards outlined in the project documents.
Detailed Project Cost and Environmental Commitments
According to the EAC, the total estimated project cost stands at ₹8,110 crore, with an additional ₹172 crore allocated for the Environment Management Plan (EMP). ONGC will also spend ₹91.16 crore annually as recurring EMP costs and has earmarked ₹11 crore to fulfill commitments made during the public hearing process.
The committee emphasized that ONGC must comply with all environmental preservation measures, including those in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EMP, focusing on robust environmental management, risk mitigation, and sustainable operational procedures.
Stringent Environmental Safeguards for Sustainable Development
The EAC set several critical conditions to protect the environment during project execution. The No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued in May prohibits ONGC from drilling within 10 km of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary’s ecologically sensitive zone. Authorities must approve any construction of pipelines or associated infrastructure over forest land or protected areas before ONGC can proceed.
These measures aim to balance energy development with biodiversity conservation, ensuring that industrial growth does not come at the expense of environmental integrity.
Sustainable Path Forward for India’s Energy Sector
The ₹8,110 crore investment marks a significant step in ONGC’s efforts to expand India’s domestic oil and gas output and reduce dependence on imports. As reported by indiamanufacturingreview.com, by integrating environmental safeguards and sustainable practices into its development strategy, ONGC aims to ensure that energy security and ecological protection advance hand in hand — setting a benchmark for responsible resource development in India’s energy sector.
