Hydrocarbon Exploration in Gulf of Mannar
Context
Recently, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas marked a 9,990.96 sq km deep-sea region off Tamil Nadu’s coast in the Gulf of Mannar for hydrocarbon exploration under the 10th round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). This is part of a nationwide bid covering 191,986 sq km of offshore areas.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
What is Hydrocarbon exploration?
- Hydrocarbon exploration is the search for deposits of hydrocarbons, like petroleum and natural gas, in the Earth’s crust.
- It is a process that is very crucial for the oil and gas industry.
Significance of the Initiative
- The tender aims to boost domestic energy production and reduce dependence on oil imports.
- It marks the largest single bid round under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
- Companies can submit bids for preferred sites until July 31, 2025.
Environmental and Livelihood Concerns
- Threat to Marine Ecosystem: The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve houses rare species like dugongs, turtles, and marine mammals, making it ecologically sensitive.
- Impact on Fishing Communities: Oil and gas exploration could disrupt marine life and reduce fish populations, affecting local livelihoods.
- Harm from Seismic Surveys: Surveys involving underwater blasts for oil mapping could disturb marine species and their habitats.
- Regulatory Oversight: The Tamil Nadu Forest Department emphasizes that the environmental impact depends on the proximity of exploration sites to protected areas.
Way Forward
- Sustainable Exploration Practices: Adoption of advanced, eco-friendly technologies to minimize marine disturbances.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Comprehensive studies before approvals to balance energy security with conservation.
- Stakeholder Consultations: Engaging fishermen, local communities, and environmentalists for inclusive decision-making.
