AP gives lease to ONGC to mine oil & gas at Mandapeta

Andhra Pradesh Government has issued petroleum mining lease (PML) to ONGC for 16.5 years in KG Basin falling in the Mandapeta mandal in Dr. BR Ambedkar Konseema district for 16.5 years.

In a GO dated September 22, Secretary (Mines) Pravin Kumar stated that the lease for oil and gas in 1B-KG Basb in Mandapeta West area over an extent of 20 sq. km has been issued till December 31, 2040 in favour of ONGC Pvt. Ltd under Rule 5(1) (ii) of Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 1959.

The GO Ms. No. 177 quoted the letter issued by the Government of India conveying the approval for grant of PML after receiving the recommendation of the Commissioner & Director of Mines and Geology as per the conditions laid down under the Oil Fields (Regulation & Development) Act, 1948 and Petroleum

and Natural Gas Rules, 1959 and also standing instructions and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas from time to time.

"This grant is liable for cancellation, and also if it is found at a later date that it was grossly inequitable or was made under a mistake of fact or owing to

misrepresentation or fraud in excess of authority. The Commissioner & Director of Mines & Geology, Government of AP, shall take necessary further action accordingly, after satisfying himself that the grantee fulfils all the required terms and conditions as stipulated in the matter," the GO pointed out.