Nagaland government taking ‘steady approach’ towards oil exploration, says Kikon

Our Reporter
Dimapur, June 28 (EMN): Amid demands from civil society organisations to resume oil exploration in the state, Advisor of Information Technology and Communication, Science and Technology and New and Renewable Energy, Mmhonlumo Kikon on Tuesday that the government is taking a ‘steady approach’ towards it.

He was speaking at a panel discussion on “Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production in Nagaland: its relevance today”, organised by Dimapur Government College in collaboration with the Business Association of Nagas (BAN), in the college.

Kikon asserted that the state government is very clear that Centre cannot challenge the special provision (article 371 A) of the constitution, but at the same time aware that “till that time where we are financially ready to help, we will not be able to convert the crude oil into a marketable product”.

He asserted that for oil exploration, companies which were ‘just formed to explore oil in Nagaland’ should not be allowed ‘just because they have relations with some political leaders’.

“We want secure companies to come and as per the law and rules laid down, therefore, the government is taking a very steady approach towards resuming oil exploration,” he said.

Speaking about revenue that will come with oil exploration, he it will make the state independent in terms of natural resources.

“We will not be going to Delhi anymore but we will generate our own revenue, and ensure that our finances are up to the mark so that we will be able to deliver the services, which is expected on the government to give,” he said.

Nagas need to see and study the laws related to oil and natural gas exploration, he said, adding that ‘rather than demonising based on land rights, it is pertinent to study the laws; we also need to see and understand the process involved in the extraction and selling’.

Further, Kikon pointed out that there is a need for educated leaders; to study Article 371 and modalities for the development of economy, ‘because unless such modalities are resolved, the issue of oil exploration will remain stalled’.

Panelist Kekhriezavi Lea, team leader of operational wing, Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas, Geology and Mining department, shared that seismic activities were carried out as part of the exploratory survey.

On prospects of petroleum and natural gas in Naga Hills, he said resources are finite and alternative means are sought by the government of India.

Panelist CT Jamir, Senior Advocate, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench shared that Article 371A is sub judice and therefore pending in the court. He also maintained that there is a need for people to understand the implications of law especially about how this project could not commence.

He also opined that if Nagas want to prosper, ‘we should confine to two liquids, i.e NLTP Act should be lifted and the revenue generated from that should be utilised for health, road and education sectors, and the other liquid is petroleum’.

Panelist Meyabi Arho Niphi, Deputy General Manager (Administration – Frontier Basin) Oil India Ltd., Duliajan, Assam shared on the importance of exploration and production. He asserted that there is a misconception of drilling among the Nagas, citing that they first have to do a seismic survey to locate where the oil and fossil fuels are located. A time frame of eight years is the standard period for the company to fulfill its exploration programme, he said.

“If Nagaland is serious about oil exploration, Nagaland should not be looking at a time span of 5-10 years. It needs to be understood that it is a time taking process”, he advised.

V Kashiho Sangtam, Minister, Soil and Water Conservation, and Geology and Mining, in his keynote address, said that oil and natural gas is an economically viable resource for the future, and therefore these areas need to be explored to combat the economic challenges of Nagaland.

He further highlighted the need for a clear situational and contextual picture, and an early resumption of oil exploration in Nagaland.