- Approved by: Union Cabinet.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Official name: National Offshore Exploration Scheme (Samudra Manthan).
- Total outlay: ₹84,084 crore.
- Duration: Five years.
- Objective: To accelerate offshore exploration of oil and natural gas, particularly in deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas, to enhance India’s energy security and reduce import dependence.
- Key components:
- Large-scale seismic surveys to identify hydrocarbon reserves.
- Exploratory drilling in offshore sedimentary basins.
- Development of shared offshore exploration infrastructure.
- Promotion of advanced technologies and capacity building for offshore exploration.
- Significance:
- Increases domestic oil and gas production.
- Reduces dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas.
- Attracts investment and advanced technology in offshore exploration.
- Strengthens India’s long-term energy security.
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Q. With reference to the ‘Samudra Manthan’ Scheme, consider the following statements:
- It is the National Offshore Exploration Scheme approved to promote offshore oil and gas exploration.
- The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- It primarily focuses on exploration in deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
- Statement 1: Correct. Samudra Manthan is the National Offshore Exploration Scheme.
- Statement 2: Correct. It is implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Statement 3: Correct. The scheme focuses on deepwater and ultra-deepwater hydrocarbon exploration to boost domestic production and energy security.
