First Samudra Manthan Success: ONGC Finds Gas Off Odisha Coast
What Happened
ONGC has discovered natural gas in the deepwater Mahanadi Offshore Basin off the Odisha coast, marking the first successful well drilled under the Centre’s Samudra Manthan offshore exploration programme. The discovery was made on September 18 at well MN-DW18-1-H-D, which was drilled to a depth of 1,623 metres, with gas encountered between 1,441 metres and 1,452 metres. The well is located about 43 km off Konark and has been flowing gas with encouraging reservoir pressure for three days.
Key Takeaways
This is a significant breakthrough for India’s efforts to increase domestic oil and gas production and reduce import dependence. The discovery comes under the government’s ₹84,000-crore Samudra Manthan initiative, launched to accelerate deepwater and offshore exploration. Its relatively short distance from the coast could support faster commercial development if further appraisal confirms viable reserves.