DIMAPUR, JUNE 27: The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has urged Nagaland Chief Minister for resumption of oil exploration and extraction in Nagaland.
In a representation to the Chief Minister, the CNTC stated that with the advancement in technology, the usage of fossil fuel would become redundant and in the very near future, whatever natural oil reserve Nagaland has would become valueless in due course of time.
The CNTC said it is pertinent to utilize the natural oil reserve immediately so that there is also sufficient internal revenue generation for the Government and also for the benefit of the land owners.
On learning that the PEL (Petroleum Exploration License) has been applied for to the Government of Nagaland by OIL
(Oil India Limited) which has the exploration license in the bloc comprising the districts of Kohima, Mokokchung, Wokha and Zunheboto since 2019, CNTC felt that three years is a long time to grant the PEL license.
Stating that even Champang Oil field, which is closed since 1994, be opened up for extraction through proper natural oil extraction company, the CNTC said it appears that the Government of the day is trying to “pull the wool” over the eyes of the public in the guise of non-natural oil entity, “maybe with the vested interest”.
It said the State Government should also demand from the ONGC all the drilling & deviation programme for the oil fields in the so-called dispute areas and recover the royalty that is due to the State of Nagaland from the ONGC.
CNTC appealed to the Chief Minister of Nagaland to take up the matter earnestly and assured of full cooperation.
(Page News Service)
