After a three-month survey in the Ganga basin, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has confirmed the presence of crude oil at a depth of 3,000 metres in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. The discovery was made on the land belonging to the family of Chittu Pandey, a revered freedom fighter.
ONGC has entered into a three-year lease agreement with the Pandey family, securing six-and-a-half acres of land at an annual rent of Rs 10 lakh. The agreement also includes a provision for a one-year extension. Drilling operations are already in progress and are projected to conclude by April 2025. The operations require around 25,000 litres of water daily.
Future Expansion and Regional Impact
If the reserves are confirmed to be commercially viable, ONGC plans to expand its drilling activities across other identified sites within the 300-km crude oil belt, spanning from Sagarpali in Ballia to Phaphamau in Prayagraj. This development could provide significant economic opportunities for the region, especially for local farmers who might benefit from land acquisition at premium rates.
Neel Pandey, a descendant of Chittu Pandey, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to transform Ballia into a major oil-producing hub. The influx of investment and job opportunities could significantly uplift the region’s economy.
ONGC’s Strategic Role in India’s Energy Sector
Founded in 1956, ONGC has been at the forefront of India’s oil exploration initiatives. The company has made several landmark discoveries, including the Mumbai High field, which remains the largest oil field in India. As of April 2021, India’s estimated crude oil reserves stood at 587.335 million metric tonnes, primarily located in the western offshore regions, Assam, and Gujarat.
In 2024, ONGC announced five new oil and gas discoveries as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. The Ballia discovery further underscores the corporation’s commitment to exploring untapped energy resources within the country.
Conclusion
The discovery of crude oil in Ballia holds promising potential for both the local economy and India’s energy sector. As ONGC progresses with its exploration and drilling activities, the region could witness substantial economic growth and infrastructural development. Local stakeholders and government bodies are keenly observing the project’s progress, hopeful for a new era of prosperity in Ballia.
