ONGC Plans Rs 46.06 Billion Andhra Gas Development Project

13 Aug 2025 CW Team

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) will invest over Rs 46.06 billion to drill 10 development wells, build two unmanned platforms, lay an offshore pipeline, and establish an onshore gas processing facility in Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh.

According to minutes from the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) meeting on 24 July, ONGC has sought fresh environmental clearance for the project. The plan covers offshore oil and gas contract areas KG/OSDSF/CHANDRIKA/2021 (Chandrika), spanning 697 sq km, and KG/OSDSF/GS49/2021 (GS49), covering 148 sq km, both awarded under the Discovered Small Field-III (DSF-III) round in September 2022.

The proposed installations will require 26.3 hectares at the Odalarevu Terminal site, with a greenbelt planned over 8.7 hectares—33 per cent of the total project area. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has a capital cost of Rs 140 million and a recurring annual cost of Rs 30 million, while Rs 140 million is allocated for the Extended EMP under Corporate Environment Responsibility.

Development wells are drilled in proven fields to extract oil or gas after exploration confirms commercially viable reserves. The project is expected to generate 150 direct and 310 indirect jobs.

The proposal was first reviewed by the EAC in February this year but deferred pending additional details. In its latest meeting, the committee again deferred approval, requesting further information, including a comprehensive biodiversity assessment and an environmental restoration action plan with dedicated funding.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Recycling Leaders Push for Policy Reforms in India

As India prepares for the largest recycling-focused event in its history, industry leaders are making a strong case for policy reforms to unlock the country’s circular economy potential. Ahead of the Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025, co-located with Plastics Recycling Show (PRS) India, a high-level panel discussion in Mumbai spotlighted the urgent need for regulatory clarity, digital innovation, and integration of the informal sector.Held under the theme “Unlocking Circular Value: Regulatory and Market Trends in Recycling”, the panel brought together prominent voices from across the recy..

Environmental Hearing Set for 1000 MW Naying Hydro Project

The environmental public hearing for the 1,000 MW Naying hydroelectric project will take place on November 12 at Yapik community hall in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, officials confirmed. The run-of-the-river project on the Siyom (Yomgo) river is being developed by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). Construction, including a concrete dam, underground powerhouse, and tunnel, is expected to commence around 2028, with commissioning planned by 2032. The project aims to generate approximately 4,966.77 GWh of electricity. The Naying project received Central Electricity ..

India Achieves 490 MWh Energy Storage Capacity by June 2025

India’s cumulative energy storage capacity reached 490 MWh by June 2025, according to data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Of this, more than 85 per cent is associated with renewable energy projects, primarily solar and wind, reflecting the country’s accelerated shift towards grid stability and clean energy integration. The CEA report highlights that 16 energy storage systems are currently operational across 10 states, with major installations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These include both standalone and co-located battery systems deployed by le..