Uttar Pradesh

• 29 Jan 2025

Potential Petroleum Reserves in Ballia

Why in News? 

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has started drilling operations in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, after geological surveys indicated the possibility of petroleum reserves in the region. 

Key Points 

• Survey and Exploration: ONGC conducted satellite, geochemical, gravity-magnetic, and magneto-telluric (MT) surveys over the last three years, confirming the possibility of oil and natural gas reserves. 
  • Magnetotellurics (MT) is a geophysical method that uses natural changes in the Earth's magnetic and electric fields to study underground electrical resistivity. 
• Drilling Operations: The project, with an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, involves drilling up to 3,001 meters at a site near Sagar Pali village in Gram Sabha Vaina (Rattuchak). 
• Land and Infrastructure: ONGC has leased eight acres of land for three years.     
• Potential Impact: If petroleum reserves are confirmed, the project could significantly contribute to the energy sector, boost local employment, and transform the economy of eastern Uttar Pradesh. 

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) 

• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), formerly Oil and Natural Gas Commission, was established in 1956.  
• In 1994, Oil and Natural Gas Commission was converted into a Corporation, and in 1997 it was recognized as one of the Navratnas by the Government of India.  
  • Subsequently, it had been conferred with Maharatna status in the year 2010. 
• It is the largest crude oil and natural gas company in India, contributing around 70% to Indian domestic production. 

Ganga Basin 

• The headwaters of the Ganga called the ‘Bhagirathi’ are fed by the Gangotri Glacier and joined by the Alaknanda at Devprayag in Uttarakhand. 
• At Haridwar, Ganga emerges from the mountains to the plains. 
• The Ganga is joined by many tributaries from the Himalayas, a few of them being major rivers such as the Yamuna, the Ghaghara, the Gandak, and the Kosi.