Anveshan Scheme May Be Extended

1. The Centre may extend Anveshan scheme to incentivize seismic surveys of sedimentary basins for mapping oil and gas deposits by another year.
2. The aim is to find new reserves to boost energy security.
3. It was launched in fiscal year 2025 (FY25).
4. It is currently set to end in fiscal year 2026 (FY26).
5. Mission Anveshan may be extended till FY27.
6. A decision on the extension is still pending.

Implementing Agencies & Activities

1. The government provides incentives to state-run companies like ONGC and Oil India Ltd.
2. These companies conduct seismic data acquisition, processing, interpretation, and mapping of oil and gas reserves.
3. The scheme continues the objectives of the National Seismic Programme (NSP).
4. NSP focuses on mapping hydrocarbon resources in India’s sedimentary basins.

Budget & Targets

1. The scheme was approved with a budgetary outlay of ₹720 crore.
2. The duration of the budget is two years – FY25 and FY26.
3. It targets conducting 2D seismic surveys over 20,275 line-kilometers (LKM).
4. The surveys cover seven on-land sedimentary basins – Ganga-Punjab, Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Deccan Synclise, Cuddappah, Krishna-Godavari, and Chhattisgarh.

Survey Types & Quality

1. The scheme also emphasizes conducting more 3D seismic surveys.
2. 3D surveys are technically superior and provide more accurate results.

Progress & Delays

1. ONGC’s work was delayed due to litigation related to contract issues.
2. A parliamentary standing committee submitted a report on the delay in March.
3. ONGC has started experimental surveys in the Cuddapah area of Andhra Pradesh.
4. Seismic data acquisition there is expected to start soon.
5. Oil India has already gathered seismic data in the Rajasthan and Ganga-Punjab basins.
6. Oil India completed around 1,683 LKM of 2D seismic data.

Parliamentary Oversight & Recommendations

1. The House panel on petroleum and natural gas is chaired by Sunil Dattatrey Tatkare, Lok Sabha MP from Raigad, Maharashtra.
2. The panel recommended close monitoring of the scheme’s progress.
3. It also urged timely completion of 2D seismic surveys.
4. The aim is to ensure data availability and interpretation in a time-bound manner.
5. Readily available geoscientific data can help attract global investors.
6. This would lead to proactive participation in India’s exploration and production sector.
7. The focus is especially on deepsea and ultra-deepsea hydrocarbon exploration.
8. The panel emphasized timely release of funds to avoid delays.