The Hindu Business Line : Cairn starting seismic survey in Bihar

New Delhi April 17 Cairn India is set to begin the seismic survey operations in Bihar this week. The block in north Bihar is within the Ganga Basin, which is one of the largest sedimentary basins of India, but is under-explored and no hydrocarbons have yet been discovered.

"An airborne geomagnetic survey of the block has just finished and is being followed by the 2D seismic survey programme. It is anticipated that the 2D seismic field operations will be completed by June end before the commencement of the monsoon," a company statement said. The onshore NELP IV block GV-ONN-2002/1 in northern Bihar was awarded under a production sharing contract (PSC) by the Centre in 2004.

The seismic survey operations are scheduled to start in the districts of Samastipur, Darbhanga and Madhubani. The programme covers an area from Dalsinghsarai in the South to Jainagar in the North, and from Singhwara and Ladania in the West and East, respectively.

Aim of the survey

Approximately 500 line kilometres of data will be acquired. The aim of the seismic survey is to understand the structures below the surface. The entire process is expected to take five months.

Cairn India permit teams will be present in all stages of the operation to explain the survey and associated crop compensation process to the farmers and local people, the statement said, adding, "company representatives are meeting with agricultural representatives in each district to discuss crop prices. Farmers may be compensated within weeks of the survey moving over their properties".

As per the PSC, Cairn India has a seven-year exploration period comprising three phases, which commenced from the issue of the Petroleum Exploration Licence on June 8, 2005. As operator of the PSC, Cairn India holds a 50 per cent interest in this Block with joint venture partner Cairn Energy PLC, through its subsidiary Capricorn Energy Ltd, holding the remaining 50 per cent interest.

More Stories on : Outlook | Petroleum | Other States

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page