Nagaland Set to Join India’s Oil Exploration Map, Says Union Minister

Oil Exploration Map: Arjun Ram Meghwal on Saturday said that the matter of oil exploration in the state will be pursued without any issue.

Union Minister of State for Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal on Saturday said that the matter of oil exploration in the state will be pursued without any issue.

Speaking at the state mega legal services camp in Kohima, Meghwal said that the issue of sharing royalty between Assam and Nagaland over oil extraction along the inter-state border will be pursued. Meghwal said that he has had talks with the Chief Ministers of both states and that the issue shall be pursued and all remaining hurdles shall be resolved.

The Nagaland government has been pushing for active oil exploration in the state. During the assembly session last month, the government emphasized the need for exploration and extraction of petroleum and natural gas resources in the state to boost the economy and generate jobs.

The Nagaland government is exploring the nuances of oil exploration in the bordering areas with Assam especially in the non-disputed sites which they are actively pushing for fast implementation. Earlier Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had stated that a tripartite MoU involving the Centre and the governments of Nagaland and Assam has been proposed for resumption of exploration activities and resolving the issues between both the states to facilitate proper oil exploration in the inter-state border areas.

Noteworthy is that Nagaland has significant estimated oil and natural gas reserves, with some sources claiming 600 million tonnes, potentially boosting India’s onshore production by 75% if fully exploited. However, exploration and production activities have been a source of contention, with the state government, the central government, and local communities clashing over control of land and resources.

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