The Hindu Business Line : Oil exploration: Ministry to study impact on Olive Ridleys

TO assess the impact of petroleum exploratory work on Olive Ridley Turtles, the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has been asked to get a detailed study undertaken, which could reveal environmental conditions during exploration phases in the entire Mahanadi area.

Sources said, the study would be carried out by Wild Life Institute of India, Dehradun, on behalf of MoEF. Environmental concerns were raised about the impact on Olive Ridley Turtle habitation along the Orissa coast due to E&P.

The Petroleum Ministry has agreed in principle to fund the study through the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), though the MoEF has not yet informed the Petroleum Ministry about the quantum of funds required. Based on the quantum, a decision would be taken on the mode of funding. The study is to be completed within four months of commissioning, sources said.

Meanwhile, the Petroleum Ministry has requested the MoEF to consider permitting exploration-drilling activities in the blocks while the proposed study is on, as the contracts provide for a timeframe for completing exploration programmes. The continuation of activities will also help in scientifically assessing and documenting the impact of it on the Olive Ridley Turtles, sources said.

It was felt that there was a need to undertake a scientific study on the impact of exploration and production activities on Olive Ridley Turtles before any significant exploration activities were allowed in the area.

In fact, the grant of permission to the operator to enter phase II of the contract for further exploration also largely depends on findings of such study, industry sources said. Also, the pressure transient test carried out during Reservoir Assessment of a gas field where gas is flared continually for several days should also be taken into account when the study is done, industry sources added.

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