A significant crude oil reserve has been discovered in Ballia on land owned by the family of renowned freedom fighter Chittu Pandey. The find comes after a three-month survey in the Ganga basin, which confirmed the presence of oil reserves at a depth of 3,000 metres.
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has leased six-and-a-half acres from Pandey’s family for three years, paying `10 Lakh annually. ONGC officials confirmed that drilling must reach 3,001 metres to access the reserves. The excavation process, which requires 25,000 litres of water daily, is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by the end of April.If the exploration is successful, ONGC plans to drill additional wells at other identified locations in the Ganga basin. This could significantly impact the region’s economy by increasing land value and providing financial benefits to farmers.
Neel Pandey, a descendant of Chittu Pandey, stated that ONGC has agreed to pay `10 Lakh annually for three years, with an option to extend the lease for another year. If oil is found in commercial quantities, ONGC will acquire additional land at premium prices, bringing substantial economic gains to local farmers. The drilling effort is the first of its kind in Ballia and could provide a significant boost to Uttar Pradesh’s fuel resources and revenue.
ONGC has obtained environmental clearance to conduct drilling across a 302-square-kilometre block. Its exploration license is valid until April 2026, with the corporation investing `85 Crore to drill one well. The drilling site is located between NH-31 and the Ganga River in Sagarpali village, near Vaina Rattu Chak, the ancestral home of Chittu Pandey, who played a key role in the Quit India Movement in Ballia. The drilling process may take 5-6 months. If hydrocarbon indications are found, the well will be tested through perforation in the production casing, a process that usually takes 7-10 days. Should the well prove to be a viable hydrocarbon-bearing structure, it will be sealed for future development.
As of April 2021, India’s estimated crude oil reserves stood at approximately 587.335 Million metric tonnes. The western offshore region accounts for the largest share of these reserves, followed by Assam and Gujarat. The Ballia discovery adds to the country’s ongoing hydrocarbon exploration efforts, with potential long-term benefits for energy production and economic growth.
