Manipur to see oil rush

Massive oil exploration activities are set to begin in Manipur within the next few months. The Manipur government has signed a Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) with Noida-based firm Jubilant Energy and has given permission for the drilling of oil exploratory wells in as many as 30 sites across the state.

These oil exploratory sites primarily fall in the two hill districts of Churachandpur and Tamenglong and the valley district of East Imphal, that have dense forest cover.

The Production Sharing Contract and the PEL was signed between the company, the Centre and the Manipur government in 2010 respectively. In February, Jubilant Energy submitted its environment impact assessment report to the state government. Public hearings would be held in Jiribam, Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts.

Currently 30 locations have been identified. Nearly 5 hectares of land for each drilling site, and 7 hectares for two-three locations would be needed for each well.

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