"Review Meeting on Oil Exploration in Mizoram" was conducted today

AIZAWL — October 8, 2026 — A comprehensive review meeting titled "Review Meeting on Oil Exploration in Mizoram" was conducted today under the aegis of the Commerce, Industries, Geology & Mining (CIG&M) Department, Government of Mizoram, to assess the progress of various hydrocarbon exploration initiatives across the state.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. H. Lianzela, IAS, Secretary, CIG&M Department. Key central and corporate dignitaries in attendance included Shri Sohban Pathak, Additional Director General (Exploration) from the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, alongside senior executives from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), Oil India Limited (OIL), and the Indraprastha Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).

Addressing the gathering, Dr. H. Lianzela noted that while historical exploration efforts to tap sub-surface resources in Mizoram have not yet yielded the anticipated success, a highly promising roadmap is emerging. This is driven by close collaboration between the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OIL, ONGC, and the State’s CIG&M Department. He urged participants to leverage modern technical expertise, upgraded machinery, and renewed commitment during the review sessions to devise strategic frameworks that will catalyse self-sustaining development for both Mizoram and the broader Northeast region.

Technical sessions featured prominent presentations detailing current field data and future developmental goals. Er. Lalremmawia, Joint Director, Directorate of Geology & Mining, presented on "Sharing Findings from Field Inspection and Status of Hydrocarbons Activities in Mizoram." Representatives from ONGC and OIL delivered a joint presentation on the "Identification of Prospective Acreages for Future OALP Bid Rounds," while IGGL technical experts shared insights on "Updated Gas Infrastructure and Monetization Opportunities."

Records show that ONGC initiated exploratory drilling operations in Mizoram in 2011. Currently, ONGC has successfully drilled oil wells in Meidum and Zanlawn, while OIL has actively pursued exploration works in Aibawk, Keifang, and Thenzawl.
Key infrastructure and regulatory expansions were thoroughly discussed during the meeting. The Chhimluangte Bridge has been successfully retrofitted to facilitate the transit of heavy machinery required for ongoing drilling operations near Hortoki village. Deliberations focused on the regularisation and extension of ONGC Block No. AA-ONN-2001/2 to drill a new exploratory well located 2 km from the site where gas was initially discovered by ONGC during 2011–12 in Hortoki, Kolasib District. Furthermore, stakeholders emphasized the strategic importance of expanding gas exploration to southern Mizoram, specifically covering Rabung, Tlabung, and the Palzawng–Thiltlang sectors, alongside evaluations for the proposed Panisagar–Sihhmui Gas Pipeline.

The session concluded with an official vote of thanks delivered by Pi C. Lalchhamdami, Joint Secretary, CIG&M Department.

Source & Wire Service: Prasar Bharati SHABD (DD / Akashvani News)