ONGC to invest in drilling exploratory wells in AP.

According to ONGC, it plans to conduct 50 onshore exploration wells in the Godavari on-land PML block of the KG basin in the East and West Godavari Districts of A.P. between 2021 and 2028. If determined to be commercially viable, these wells will be transformed into development wells and connected to the closest Early Production System (EPS)/Gas Collecting Station (GCS), it added. Total of Rs 20 billion (about Rs 0.4 billion for each well), according to ONGC, regarding the exploration wells for the KG basin. According to another proposal, ONGC wants to conduct prospecting and exploration drilling in the CD-ONHP-2020/1 block of the Cuddapah basin, which is located in the Kurnool, Anantapur, and YSR Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh. The three exploratory locations are expected to be drilled between the years 2021 and 2024, according to geological and geophysical studies. According to ONGC, the three wells would cost an estimated Rs 150 crore to construct, and the exploratory drilling process would take three to five months at each well location. The SEIAA approved the project while stating, The Committee after analysing the project plans, presentations, MoEF&CC Notifications & OMs and lengthy deliberations, recommended to give environmental clearance with the following additional conditions. According to one of the requirements set forth by the committee, the proponent shall be responsible for compensating farmers and property owners in the event that damages result from the operating of wells.