ONGC hires ABC for Tamil Nadu clearances
ONGC is preparing for a 20-well exploration campaign at its OALP-3 block CY-ONHP-2018/3, straddling Ramanathapuram district and the adjoining Sivaganga district in southeastern Tamil Nadu.
On September 11 (2024), ONGC hired Chennai-based ABC Techno Labs India to obtain environmental clearance. "We want ABC Techno Labs to obtain clearances from all appropriate authorities on behalf of ONGC’s Cauvery Basin," says an ONGC source.
"ABC was L1 with a quote of Rs21.45 lakhs ($25,650)." Three other consultants also submitted bids: Nagpur-based Anacon Laboratories, Chennai-based Hubert Enviro Care Systems and Vadodara-based Kadam Environmental Consultants.
However, Anacon failed to clear the technical bid evaluation. Kadam was L2 with a quote of Rs27 lakhs ($32,300), and Hubert Enviro Care was L3 with a much higher quote of Rs28.91 lakhs ($34,650).
ABC must now seek clearance from the Tamil Nadu State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) after carrying out baseline studies at all 20 proposed drilling sites to assess the current situation, identify gaps, and develop interventions. Among the well locations are NL-1 at Keelakidaram village, NL-2 at Thirunallar, NL-3 at Orivayal, NL-4 at A.
Punavasal, NL-5 at Melasirupothu, NL-6 at Sadayaneri, NL-7 at Keelasirupothu, NL-8 at Panivasal, NL-9 at Panaiyadiyenthal, and NL-10 at Pooseri village. "The contract is for six months from the order," we hear.
Under the contract, ABC must prepare all necessary reports, including a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) and the Environment Management Plan (EMP). CY-ONHP-2018/3 covers 1403.41-sq km, of which 1259.44-sq km lies in the onland part of Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga districts and 143.97-sq km lies in the shallow offshore in the Bay of Bengal.
Other well locations are NL-11 at Nallirukkai village, NL-12 at Sathirakudi, NL-13 at R.Kavanur, NL-14 at Kamankottai, NL-15 at Siruvayal, NL-16 at Alamalandal, NL-17 at Seenangudi, NL-18 at Thumbadakkakottai, NL-19 at Kothidal and NL-20 at Manakkudi village.
ONGC (operator with 100%) won the block on July 11 (2019) under OALP-3 and signed the RSC on July 16 (2019).