Condition of Tssori-Champang ONGC in Wokha district. (File Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 7
Stating his concern for the state’s economic future and an unwavering commitment to paving the way toward financial self-reliance, MLA Jwenga Seb appealed the house to take decisive steps toward oil exploration.
Initiating discussion under Rule-50 on ‘Exploration and extraction of petroleum oil Nagaland’ stated that although this subject has been discussed on several occasions it remained static while pointing on Nagaland’s economic stagnation and dependence on central funds despite its rich natural resources.
Underscoring energy as the backbone of economic progress, Seb noted that Nagaland imports nearly 90% of its energy needs from other states also citing data petroleum consumption in the state rose from 154 Thousand Metric Tonnes (TMT) in 2019 to 172 TMT in 2020, highlighting the urgent need for local production.
He also outlined several key reasons as to why Nagaland must prioritise petroleum extraction for economic growth and revenue generation, employment generation, infrastructure developments, energy security and industrial growth, utilising an untapped resource and strategic advantage.
Seb also highlighted challenges and considerations and legal issues such as Article 371 (A), community involvement and balanced environment sustainability.
To this end, Seb urged the state government to immediately initiate the issuance of a Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL), allowing reputable oil companies to conduct scientific exploration under a Revenue Sharing Contract (RSC) with clear Commitments Work Programmes and timelines. While this phase may span from three to ten years, he maintained that it is vital for establishing the commercial viability of Nagaland’s oil reserves.
“A successful exploration programme would lay the groundwork for the subsequent issuance of a Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) allowing sustained production and transportation of crude oil. This strategic move is not solely about tapping into fossil fuel reserves; it is about reimagining our economic destiny. It is our chance to break free of the cycle of dependency by combining indigenous wisdom with modern technology to secure a prosperous future” he stated earnestly.
Urging the House to direct the state government to take immediate steps to initiate a comprehensive oil exploration programme, Seb said, “let us unlock the hydrocarbon potential embedded in our land, generate employment, stimulate local industries, and build the robust infrastructure of tomorrow. In doing so, we will not only secure much-needed revenue for our State but also ensure that future generations inherit a legacy of prosperity and self-reliance rather than continued dependency.”
Participating in the discussion, Minister Jacob Zhimomi has expressed support for the state government’s decision to explore and extract minerals, including petroleum, in the interest of the state.
However, he also raised concerns regarding revenue-sharing arrangements particularly in disputed border areas quoting Minister from Assam who is in charge of the Assam Border Protection Department, who had categorically said that the Assam land measuring about 83,000 hectares has been occupied by three states, including the state of Nagaland.
He suggested on phase-wise starting in areas without disputes before moving into contested regions with legal advice from the state revenue department and other legal experts adding “because we cannot risk our land and our people and we cannot leave them in their own mercy. We have to protect them.”
While emphasising on the urgency to start exploiting the state natural resources, he also cautioned that all the technical issues with land disputes should be taken care of with utmost care to prevent problems in the future.
Other members who participated include Achumbemo Kikon, Y Limaonen Chang and Sukhato A Sema.
