Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday described the discovery of natural gas in the Mahanadi offshore basin as a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward energy security, and said it is a moment that connects the state’s natural heritage with India’s emerging energy ambitions.
Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) made the discovery on September 18 at the MN-DW18-1-H-D well in the Mahanadi offshore basin, about 43 km off Konark, as part of its Samudra Manthan deepwater exploration campaign, the company said in a statement.
“Its (Mahanadi river) vast offshore basin is opening a new frontier, with ONGC striking gas in the deep waters off the Odisha coast. The encouraging flow from ONGC’s maiden deepwater well under the Samudra Manthan scheme marks a significant step in India’s deepwater exploration journey and unlocks new possibilities for harnessing our offshore resources,” the CM said on X.
The Mahanadi has always been more than a river for Odisha, he said, adding that “it is the lifeline of our land, a witness to our civilisational journey and a timeless symbol of our strength and prosperity”.
Majhi said this is “not merely a discovery under waters for Odisha, but a moment that connects the state’s natural heritage with India’s emerging energy ambitions”.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily expanding its exploration frontiers and strengthening the foundations of an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) and energy-secure Bharat, the CM said.
“From the waters that have nourished Odisha for centuries, a new energy story is taking shape, carrying the promise of powering India’s tomorrow.”
Majhi said.
Leader of Opposition in the assembly Naveen Patnaik also congratulated ONGC for its energy exploration efforts and said Odisha will strengthen the energy resilience of the country and boost the economy.
The BJD chief, in an X post, said, “Congratulate @ONGC_ on discovering gas in the deep waters of Mahanadi Basin. Glad to know that there is encouraging flow and reservoir pressure from the discovered wells. #Odisha will strengthen the energy resilience of the nation and boost economy.”
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the breakthrough marks an important step in advancing deepwater exploration, strengthening domestic hydrocarbon production and supporting India’s energy security objectives.
The ruling BJP in Odisha described the development as a major boost to India’s energy security.
“ONGC has successfully struck gas in the deep waters of the Mahanadi Basin. This discovery is part of the Samudra Manthan initiative, launched under the leadership of PM Modi to unlock India’s deep and ultra-deepwater hydrocarbon potential. A significant step towards greater domestic energy production, stronger energy security and a more #AatmanirbharBharat,” the state BJP said.
(PTI News)
