Source: TH
Context: Oil India Ltd (OIL) has announced the discovery of natural gas in the Andaman Shallow Offshore Block.
- This marks the first reported hydrocarbon find in the region, potentially reducing India’s heavy import dependence on oil and gas.
About India Discovers Natural Gas near Andaman Island:
What it is?
- Natural gas reserves identified in Vijayapuram-2 exploratory well under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).
- Gas samples confirmed 87% methane content, showing commercial potential after further testing.
Located in:
- Offshore block 9.20 nautical miles (17 km) from the Andaman east coast.
- Water depth: 295 metres, drilling depth: 2,650 metres.
Key Features of Andaman Islands:
- Geography: Archipelago of 300+ islands forming part of Andaman & Nicobar Union Territory, located in the Indian Ocean about 1,370 km east of mainland India.
- Major Islands: North, Middle, and South Andaman (together called Great Andaman) + Little Andaman. Nicobars lie further south.
- Topography: Series of dome-shaped hill ranges, highly dissected terrain and Saddle Peak (737 m) is the highest.
- Ecology: Rich in tropical rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, and biodiversity hotspots; home to indigenous tribes like the Sentinelese, Jarawa, Onge, Great Andamanese.
- Strategic Location: Controls sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) in the Bay of Bengal, lying at the junction of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.
- Geological Setting: Islands formed of sandstone, limestone, and shale (Paleogene–Neogene age).
- Disaster Prone: Located in a seismically active zone — severely impacted during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Recent Oil Discovery:
- First hydrocarbon occurrence in the Andaman basin during ongoing exploration.
- Intermittent flaring observed at 2,212–2,250 metres depth.
