Aizawl, Oct 8 (PTI): Mizoram Commerce, Industries, Geology and Mining (CIG&M) Secretary H Lianzela on Thursday called for greater use of modern technology, upgraded equipment and technical expertise to accelerate hydrocarbon exploration and promote sustainable development in the state.
Speaking at the meeting on oil exploration in Mizoram, Lianzela said earlier exploration efforts had not produced the expected results, but a promising roadmap was now emerging through closer coordination between the Centre, oil companies and the state government.
The meeting chaired by Lianzela was attended by Sohban Pathak, additional director general (Exploration) in the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons and senior officials of ONGC, OIL and Indraprastha Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).
During the technical session, officials reviewed field findings and the status of hydrocarbon exploration in the state.
ONGC and OIL jointly presented plans for identifying prospective areas for future Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bidding, while IGGL officials outlined the latest gas infrastructure and opportunities for monetising potential gas resources, officials said.
ONGC began exploratory drilling in Mizoram in 2011 and has drilled wells at Meidum and Zanlawn in Kolasib district near the Assam border, while OIL has undertaken exploration activities at Aibawk near Aizawl, Keifang in Saitual district and Thenzawl in Serchhip district.
The meeting also reviewed plans for drilling a new exploratory well near Hortoki, near Meidum in Kolasib district, about 2 km from the site where ONGC discovered gas during 2011-12. The bridge over the Chhimluang river along the Meidum-Hortoki road has been retrofitted in 2025 to facilitate the movement of heavy machinery for drilling operations near Hortoki, officials said.
The meeting further stressed the need to expand exploration to southern Mizoram, particularly the Rabung, Tlabung and Palzawng-Thiltlang sectors.
The proposed Panisagar-Sihhmui gas pipeline was also discussed as part of efforts to strengthen gas infrastructure and tap the state’s hydrocarbon potential, officials said.
